Laois plan to convert derelict American vitamin factory into holiday apartments

A derelict American vitamins factory in Laois is to be turned into holiday accommodation, if a planning application gets the green light.

A family business in Abbeyleix has submitted an ambitious planning application to Laois County Council to convert a derelict factory into short term holiday lets, with a focus on heritage and nature.

The old Stone Arch factory is beside the town's former train station on the Ballacolla Road, on a site that stretches back to the N77 Durrow road.

Planning applicants are the site owners, local company O'Maonlaoi De Faoite Limited.

They seek permission for the change of use from office block to self-catering guest accommodation/short term let accommodation.

The factory would offer four two-bedroom units with 8 carparking spaces.

They seek permission for an extension to the side to accommodate a new stairwell, and for the renovation of an existing building to include a bin-bay and bicycle rack. They also want to demolish existing industrial structures to the rear of the proposed development and all associated site works.

Architect's plans of the proposed tourist accommodation in the former Stone Arch factory. 

This report provides an overview and proposal for developing a tourist accommodation facility in Laois. The proposed development aims to capitalize on the country’s growing tourism industry while ensuring sustainability, compliance with local planning regulations, and positive contributions to the local community and economy.

The Site Area is 0.2873ha. The factory closed in January 2002. 

A report with the planning application describes their plan, including adding metal standing seam cladding to part of the exterior walls.

"The proposed structures currently stand in a derelict state and have done for a number of years. The proposal is to wrap the external of the property with installation and replaster with a off white rendered finish. The proposed cladding finish will mimic the once industrial use of the building and in turn provide a clear distinction between the locomotive building and the office buildings.

"The clean lines of the building provide a clear backdrop to the green area to the front on the forested area to the
rear. Building materials will be sourced locally where possible and incorporate eco-friendly features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient insulation."

The development is part of a future, wider ambitious plan by the owners, called Stone Arch Culture and Biodiversity Park, that includes the old train station.

Their project proposal is included in the application, and includes a rewilded biodiversity park and glamping pods.

The N77 road entrance to the site. Image: Google Maps

"The railway station in Abbeyleix was opened in 1865 and was the catalyst for development of Abbeyleix town. The station closed in 1963. In 1972 the site of the railway station was developed by a US chemical company as a factory producing vitamins," they say.

They say that the company was the town's largest employer.

"The original goods shed was retained and large solid concrete industrial units were constructed. The factory closed in 2001 and the site has remained vacant and derelict. A local family owned company O'Maonlaoi de Faoite Ltd purchased the site a number of years ago with the aim to transform the site and buildings from their current derelict condition to once again form a central part of the town's heritage and economy."

The owners say they have begun works such as removing and saving roofslates for reuse, and planting native trees. 

They say that the overall project will regenerate the old train station and factory, and will offer craft spaces and a tourist attraction, as well as a space for local people with an interest in heritage and nature. It will have a visitor centre and an events space, ideal for day retreats. The railway goods shed would be an interpretative centre. They plan to add more nature trails to link with existing walkways.

The site is across the road from Abbeyleix Bog Project. They describe it as being "surrounded by derelict factory buildings, forestry and adjacent to a 1.5-mile loop trail",  with other walking trails nearby.

"The primary target market includes both domestic and international tourists, particularly those interested in Heritage, nature-based experiences with The Bog Walk being less than 1km walk from the proposed accommodation.

"The Heritage House is just a short walk (1.4km) from the proposed accommodation. The Abbeyleix House and Farm, which opens 2/3 times a year to the public is just 2.3km walk and the Summer Open day includes markets, air displays, walks, animal farm, gardens, and so forth.

"Heywood Gardens, Twin Trees Heywood Art & Culture Festival, Durrow Scarecrow Festival, Electric Picnic Festival, Ploughing Championship, Forest Festival in Emo, Spink threshing festival are just some of the local attractions for tourists to look forward too.

"This proposal will breed new life into the area and will complement the existing hotel within the vicinity as it would allow for overflow accommodation and add tourists to the restaurant and bars.

"The accommodation will provide a range of amenities, including: self catering guesthouse in the center of Abbeyleix town within walking distance of restaurants, public houses, shops, library, churches, the historical centre of Abbeyleix".

A decision on the factory conversion is due from Laois County Council planners by December 9.