Sustainability

Green Future Focus

Promoting responsible tourism, environmental protection, community engagement, and preserving County Longford’s natural beauty for future generations.

Sustainability

Sustaining Longford - The Strategic Vision

Longford will become a year-round sustainable tourism destination, providing authentic community and eco-tourism experiences, encouraging visitors to embrace slow tourism. This will be grounded in respect for its natural and heritage assets that are protected for future generations.

This vision for sustainable tourism is completely grounded in our love for Longford and loyalty towards this place and its people. Maintaining a strong emphasis on slow and regenerative tourism is good for local communities and local economies while also embracing exciting new opportunities that can emerge from both domestic and overseas markets.

A stone bridge with large arches crosses over a calm river, surrounded by greenery and trees under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of lush green fields bordered by hedges and trees beside a large, calm river or lake under a partly cloudy sky.
Sustainability

A Longford welcomeis a warm welcome

Longford is striving to become the most inclusive and accessible destination in the country.  This emphasis also supports new and existing tourism and hospitality operators to move towards sustainable, inclusive and accessible models. 

A woman wearing a pink shirt and red life jacket paddles a blue kayak on a calm river, followed by two children in kayaks. Lush green reeds and trees line the water’s edge.
A landscape view of a peat bog with patches of water and muddy tracks under a cloudy sky, surrounded by fields and greenery in the distance.
Sustainability

The love of the land

The rehabilitation of the peat boglands and the ambition to achieve the Biosphere Status for the Lough Ree Biosphere Reserve can have a transformative impact on Longford’s destination status. This archaeological and biodiversity project will help the area to build a more sustainable eco-tourism base which will in turn provide economic benefits to the area. The rehabilitation of BnM bogs and the extension of the network of trails will enhance access, encouraging more sustainable transport options. 

Sustainability

Putting our people first

The development of a Longford’s Sustainable Tourism Network is a key support outcome of the EU Just Transition Fund which will see 13 new accommodation offerings come on stream. The challenge going forward is to ensure that all tourism-related development delivers an authentic and memorable visitor experience, while being sensitive to the local environment and adding value into the local economy.

Four young boys sit side by side on a wooden jetty, facing a calm lake surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky. They wear colourful hoodies and appear to be enjoying the peaceful scenery.