New plan for disputed development at protected Laois church

A new plan is being considered in Laois to extend a historic church, with a previous plan unsuccessfully contested by the local Tidy Towns committee.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns had objected to the extension to Epworth Hall, on grounds that it would be too visible from the street.  However it was approved by Laois County Council and again by An Bord Pleanála who overruled the Tidy Towns objection in 2024.  

Laois County Council planners are soon due to make another decision on a different plan for Epworth Hall. 

The owner, Laois Bible Church again seeks permission to demolish a temporary toilet/storage block that they had erected, and a timber fence and gate to the left side of Epworth Hall.

They again seek permission for the demolition of existing modern extensions and shed to rear of same.

Drawing of the proposed extension (in pink) to Epworth Hall in Abbeyleix.

Then they plan to build a single storey flat roof extension to the rear comprising a new meeting room/parent room/stores at an angle to the existing building. It would be linked by a walkway. The original church would get internal alterations to provide new toilets and services, and a stairs and a first floor mezzanine gallery.

They again promise to reinstate a stone wall that had been demolished and replaced with the timber fence.

The new plan (below in pink) is more visible from Main Street, compared to the previous approved extension. 

The church say they hold a service every Sunday morning for some 50 people, with an occasional evening service, and a small bible study meeting mid week.

They say that the extension is to allow them enough space to continue using the church. 

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Epworth Hall, a former Methodist Church on Main Street, Abbeyleix, was built in 1826.

The application was submitted in December 2025 with a planning decision due by February 10, 2026.