Local businesses are welcoming new plans for a dedicated car park in Granard.
The recently announced development will see the former Hourican's Hotel in the centre of the North Longford Town demolished in favour of a multi space public car park.
The derelict hotel is a former parochial house that has fallen into severe disrepair over the last number of years.
The plans have being developed by Longford County Council in conjunction with local representatives.
It's hoped works will begin next year once planning is secured for the demolition of the hotel.
Local Councillor Turlough McGovern says the plans follow years of effort to get the site in hand.
''It was an old parochial house there years ago but in the condition it's in it's an eyesore for the last number of years there. Back 25 years ago or near enough when the town council was together they didn't get the support from Longford County Council back that time to buy it, which would have been a lot less money back that time but when you didn't get the support to buy it, it was hard for them to buy it back at that time so I'm delighted to announce that our local authority gave us a hand here this time and we got it over the line.''
