A report has found that Longford town faces a range of complex issues, including gaps in services for children, young people, families, and older people, as well as people with disabilities, Travellers, refugees, and asylum seekers.
Longford County Council commissioned this research in 2024 to explore the need for a Family Resource Centre in the Longford town and Edgeworthstown areas.
In Longford, 34.65% of residents were born overseas, 6% identify as members of the Traveller community, and over 24% of residents are living with a disability.
Child protection referrals are among the highest nationally according to the report, while poverty, housing instability, and school avoidance continue to rise.
The findings highlight a number of gaps in service provision including a lack of services for children under 10 years, as well as insufficient early intervention and prevention programmes for younger children.
It also highlights the limited access to sporting facilities and safe spaces for young people and insufficient safe play areas for younger children.
The report also finds that drugs and drug-related intimidation are significant concerns in Longford, with a rising need for community education and intervention.
In terms of housing, it shows there are persistent issues surrounding the availability of suitable housing for vulnerable groups.
It highlights the lack of services for children and adults living with a disability.
The research shows there is a shortage of accessible and affordable mental health services, including trauma-informed psychotherapy and counselling.
There is also a lack of play therapy and art therapy services for children and a lack of accessible childcare facilities, which limits opportunities for parents, including migrant families, to access education and employment.
The report also highlights insufficient access to GPs and health related services like prenatal care and ante-natal classes, especially for new communities.
For older people the research finds there is a lack of adequate services with the absence of a dedicated day centre, which would help combat isolation and provide needed support.
It also found there is a need for more safe spaces for LGBTQI+ youth, who face discrimination and safety concerns.
The report concludes that the service of a Family Resource Centre in Longford town is urgent, enduring and undeniable.
It found the Centre could play a crucial role in providing a much-needed family support service, as well as supporting integration, providing educational resources, and offering essential support networks.
It said the establishment of a centre in Longford town, with outreach services to Edgeworthstown, would provide a central hub for individuals and families to access support services, information, and resources, in a safe, inclusive, and stigma-free environment.
The report said this would foster a more connected, integrated, and supportive community, benefiting people across all age groups and backgrounds.
Longford Westmeath Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy, launched the Needs Assessment Report for the development of a Family Resource Centre this afternoon.
