NAMA Starts Demolition of apartments at Gleann Riada

Gleann Riada was originally built by the Jackson Group from Northern Ireland with planning granted in 2004. Over seventy houses were also built with plans for several hundred more and a hotel, petrol station and retail units which were never built. Local opinion seems to be in favour of the demolition and there was much surprise at the development being built at Ballyminion given that it was well known to flood and better known for duck shooting than housing. Below are a few pictures of the start of the demolition.

Longford Expo

The Longford Expo was a great success with a huge turnout. The weather was great and it was good to see the empty shopping centre put to good use. The shopping centre was built by McNamara construction but never found any tenants and is now in Nama. Let's hope someone can come up with creative ideas for the space. It is in a nearly completed stage of finish and appears to have been well maintained while vacant.

Carrigglas Update

Carrigglas Development outside Longford on the Ballinalee Road has been in receivership since 2008 with no sign of any one interested in the property. The development is on over 600 acres and was planned to have 330 new homes. Below you can see the current state of the place. It is difficult to know who would want to buy it as it is no longer suitable for agricultural use without a lot of investment. The original website is still up at www.carrigglas.ie.

Ardagh College sold for E1.36million

The college was originally sold for E5.2 million in October 2007. The property consists of 214 acres of land suitable for farming and the original college buildings. The reduction in price reflects the overall decline in property prices throughout the county but it is somewhat surprising that agricultural land hasn't held up better given the strength of the farming sector and the sharp increase in farm incomes. More details from the Irish Independent.

Longford Town Council buy old Army Barracks

Connolly  Army barracks in Co Longford was officially signed over to the county’s local authorities for €450,000 today.