New sensory room opens at Ballymahon Library
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Genevieve Montgomery, Longford Libraries, Laura McHugh, Healthy Ireland coordinator, Martina Needham, county librarian, and Paula Mulry, Longford Libraries, at the launch of the new sensory room at Ballymahon Library. Photos: Shelley Corcoran Photo by Shelley CorcoranImage 2 of 3
Catherine McDermott (SNA), Ballymahon Vocational School, Shauna Murray, teacher, Ballymahon Vocational School, Gráinne Reid, coordinator, Longford Westmeath CYPSC, Edel Kelly, community development worker, Longford Community Resources CLG, Sadia Athar Butt, PPN representative, and students Tyler Schferli, Shane Hallinan McCauley and Gerard Flynn at the launch of the new sensory room at Ballymahon Library. Photo by Shelley CorcoranImage 3 of 3
Students Tyler Schferli, Shane Hallinan McCauley and Gerard Flynn at the launch of the new sensory room at Ballymahon Library. Photo by Shelley CorcoranLongford County Council has officially opened a new sensory room at Ballymahon Library, marking a significant step forward in making library services more accessible to people throughout the county.
The dedicated space offers a calm, supportive environment for people with sensory processing needs, autism, and other conditions that can make traditional library settings challenging. The room provides a carefully designed environment where families can access library services in comfort.
Funding for the project was provided by Longford County Council. Multisensory Ireland designed and fitted the sensory room project and Healthy Longford had a key role through its ongoing collaboration with Longford Libraries.
The initiative forms part of a collective response across the county to create supportive, inclusive environments for all families.
The launch was during National Breastfeeding Week 2025, reinforcing the shared commitment across multiple agencies to support families at every stage.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh, said: “This sensory room represents our determination to ensure every person in Longford can benefit from what our libraries offer. By creating spaces that work for people with different needs, we’re sending a clear message that everyone belongs here. Libraries sit at the heart of our communities, and this facility ensures no family is left outside that circle.”
Paddy Mahon, chief executive of Longford County Council, added: “We recognise that traditional spaces don’t work for everyone. This sensory room is a practical recognition of that reality. It allows families who might previously have found library visits difficult to access books, resources, and community connection. That matters enormously, both for the people who will use this space and for the broader community. Inclusion isn’t an add-on – it’s fundamental to how we deliver services.”
The opening was attended by representatives from Ballymahon Vocational School, the Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC), Longford Community Resources, and the Public Participation Network, alongside students and staff who will benefit from the new facility.