An Bord Pleanála has ruled against the refurbishment of the building on Main St which dates back to 1650. Part of the site is O’Nuallain’s former shop and home.

Kellyville Ltd wanted to refurbish part of the building and build two terraced houses.

Apart from being the oldest standing building in Ballyroan, the ruinous structure is protected and also due to be listed as a Laois monument.

However, the Department of the Environment opposed the plan on archaeological grounds. It said the building was of “considerable importance” as it was one of only two 17th century stone houses in a Laois village.

The appeals board’s planning inspector said that were it not for the archaeological and architectural significance of the buildings, the project would have been desirable for Ballyroan.

The inspector noted that the Department’s original submission to Laois County Council was either unavailable, or not considered by the council’s planner. The inspector recommended refusal because there was no archaeological assessment, building survey or architectural heritage assessment. He advised Kellyville to engage with the council and the Department.