Designing Tomorrow: Students investigate Granard’s potential through architectural research project
Innovative collaboration between Technological University Dublin and Longford County Council
Press Release: Monday, 19 October 2026
An innovative collaboration between Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Longford County Council has resulted in the creation of an impressive streetscape model and detailed architectural illustrations of Granard town centre.
Students from Technological University Dublin will unveil their comprehensive research project on Granard’s built environment with an upcoming exhibition to be hosted in Granard and Longford Town. The exhibition will be on display in Granard Library from Wednesday evening, 28 October to Monday morning, 2 November before it moves to Áras an Chontae, Longford Town from Tuesday, 3 November to Monday, 16 November.
The exhibition will feature a physical street model along with the students' design proposals and presentation drawings for Granard Town.
This ambitious project, led by TU Dublin’s School of Architecture, Building and Environment in partnership with Longford County Council’s Planning Section, features a highly detailed streetscape model and comprehensive building surveys. The research presents a valuable foundation that could inform future investment and development in the area. Longford County Council Architect Ciara Reynolds and TU Dublin Architecture Tutors Cora Carbajo and Gavin Buggy played a key role in the project. This is the second year that TU Dublin’s School of Architecture has chosen County Longford as its focus area – last year’s project focused on the town of Ballymahon.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Gerry Hagan said, "Granard has a rich history and a distinctive character, and it is fascinating to see it interpreted through the eyes of the next generation of architects. The students have produced work of an exceptional standard, highlighting both the strengths of the town and opportunities for its future development. I would encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and see how thoughtful design and careful research can help shape the future of our communities.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council Samantha Healy praised the students' approach: "What makes this project particularly impressive is the depth of research carried out by the students and the practical value their work offers. They have created a detailed record of Granard’s built environment that will support future discussions around regeneration, heritage and sustainable development. The quality of the work demonstrates how collaboration between local government and higher education can deliver real benefits for communities.”
Longford County Council Architect Ciara Reynolds said, “It has been a pleasure to welcome the TU Dublin students back to County Longford for a second successive year. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and attention to detail have resulted in a body of work that offers a fresh perspective on Granard and its potential. We have built a strong partnership with the university, and we are excited about the prospect of continuing this collaboration and exploring other towns across the county in the years ahead.”
Public Exhibition Details
The exhibition will run in two phases:
Granard Library: Wednesday evening, 28 October to Monday morning, 2 November (during normal library hours)
Áras an Chontae Atrium: Tuesday, 3 November to Monday morning, 16 November (during office hours)
This collaboration connects architectural education with real world community needs. Through direct engagement with Granard’s built environment, the students have produced building surveys and public realm analysis that provide a valuable record of the town’s current condition and architectural character.
