County Longford Guide: Local Services, Businesses and News

Longford at a glance

Longford is Leinster's smallest county by population: a quiet, welcoming corner of the midlands bordered by the River Shannon and Lough Ree.

In recent years, Center Parcs Longford Forest, the Royal Canal Greenway and the ancient Corlea Trackway have put the county firmly on the visitor map. Longford town is the main centre for shopping and services, while Ballymahon, Granard, Edgeworthstown and Lanesborough each have their own character.

Local trade still runs on loyalty and word of mouth, which makes being easy to find online even more valuable.

Longford County Council handles planning permission, roads, housing, libraries and local property tax queries. Report potholes, dumping or broken street lights directly to the council.

• Bins and recycling: household waste is collected by private operators, so compare the providers that serve your area.
• Water: managed by Uisce Éireann. Many rural homes use private wells and septic tanks.
• Motor tax: renew online at motortax.ie.
• Getting around: Longford and Edgeworthstown are on the Dublin–Sligo rail line, and the N4 links the county to Dublin.

Many rural homes need regular septic tank, well and heating services, so find a reliable local provider before you need one urgently.

Finding the right tradesperson in Longford is easier with a few simple checks:

1. Get three written quotes for any job over a few hundred euro, and confirm whether VAT is included.

2. Ask for proof of insurance before work starts, especially for roofing, building and tree work.

3. Check registrations: electricians should be registered with Safe Electric, and gas installers with RGII. For home energy grants, use an SEAI-registered contractor.

4. Septic tanks: use a contractor with a valid waste collection permit for desludging.

5. Book early for winter: boiler services, oil deliveries and chimney cleaning get busy from October.

6. Ask locally: in a close-knit county, neighbours' recommendations are often the best guide.

Search Longford tradespeople on Leinster Local and send an enquiry directly to the business, with no account needed.

Visitors are a growing market in Longford, alongside your loyal local customers. Here's how to reach both:

• Local Enterprise Office Longford offers mentoring, training and grants for small businesses, including Trading Online Vouchers.
• Target visitors: guests at Center Parcs and cyclists on the Royal Canal Greenway look for cafés, bike hire and things to do nearby.
• Keep opening hours accurate: visitors rely on them, especially on Sundays and bank holidays.
• Complete your listing: businesses with photos, opening hours and a full description get more enquiries.

List your Longford business free on Leinster Local, and upgrade to Premium for featured placement and more photos.