Accommodation shortage prompts Laois pub to build rooms for staff

A landmark Laois pub has been granted planning permission to build accommodation to house its staff. 

Morrissey’s pub on Main Street, Abbeyleix, is one of Ireland’s best known public houses in the country. Its old-world charm and authentic decor has led to it becoming a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.   

Its owners applied to Laois County Council for planning permission to turn outbuildings at the rear of the pub into staff accommodation last August. 

Newshore Limited sought permission for the change of use of the two storey outbuilding and the single storey outbuilding to staff accommodation and to change these into three one bed units. 

A further two one bed units and one two bed unit are planned for a new two storey staff accommodation building at the rear of the pub.   

In a letter submitted with the application, an engineer working on behalf of Morrissey’s stated that: “This development has arisen due to the lack of available rental accommodation in Abbeyleix.” 

Laois County Council has now approved the planning application subject to 14 conditions.