New timeline on derelict building in Laois to become digital hub

Laois County Council have confirmed that a contractor will soon be appointed to oversee the renovation of Borris-in-Ossory courthouse as a digital hub.

The issue was recently raised by Laois Fine Gael County Councillor Conor Bergin, who requested an update on the renovation.

"The appointed architect led design team is progressing the detailed design with a view to publishing the tender for the procurement of a works contractor in Q1 of 2025,” replied Mr. Ken Morley, Senior Engineer in the Corporate & Community section of the Council.

“It is anticipated that a contractor will be appointed in Q2 of 2025,” Mr Morley explained.

Cllr Bergin welcomed this response.

“It’s a very positive response, it's great to hear,” said Cllr Bergin.

“Hopefully the works will begin in 2025, this is going on for a long time. We received funding for the design of stage one a couple of years ago, and that was carried out by Ken with a public consultation that was very successful,” Cllr Bergin explained.

Pictured: Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse.

“Earlier this year we got €3.2 million in capital funding under the Rural Regeneration Fund. This is a huge project for Borris-in-Ossory, I can’t overstate the significance it is going to have,” Cllr Bergin said.

“It is renovating probably the oldest and largest derelict building on the edge of the village, just as you're going out towards Roscrea. 

“We’re looking at the Council proposals of putting in the western office, it means putting in a remote working place for Council staff and a small events space as well, so it is of huge significance to the area,” he said.

“It would mean for Borris-in-Ossory that at least 15-20 people would be working on the main street, which will have a great knock on effect for local businesses. 

“It's been well covered here before this project, but I am glad to hear an update that it is going to tender next January, and we will have a contractor appointed by Q2, so probably around March or April," Cllr Bergin added.

“I’m going to hold this timeline to the Council as well, that 2025 is when we will hopefully see works on the courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory.

“ It’s a major project for the area so thanks to Ken and Donal and everyone on the council for all their hard work on it,” Cllr Bergin finished. 

Pictured: A digital rendering from Laois County Council of the courthouse operating as a digital hub.

Independent Cllr James Kelly seconded the motion, and welcomed this news.

“I fully support this notice of motion, and have done since day one,” said Cllr Kelly.

“You come into Borris-in-Ossory now, and a lot of traffic is bypassing the motorway and going through the village. The courthouse will be upgraded which is brilliant.

“ It is going to be major for the village of Borris-in-Ossory, along with the Borris Innovation Centre that’s there at the minute as well,” Cllr Kelly said.

“I know from speaking with the hubs in Laois and the collective hubs around that group that their space at the moment is at a maximum, that they don’t have space for people who wish to work remotely.

 Which is very important for people with families. I will be delighted when this gets going and a contractor is appointed, and we get going by Q2 of 2025,” Cllr Kelly finished.

Fine Gael Cllr John King supported this motion, insisting that an amenity such as the courthouse must be put to good use.

“I fully support this notice of motion, it’s a great landmark in Borris-in-Ossory but it’s no good if it isn’t put to full use,” Cllr King said.

“I would like to see if there is space available for other groups to use it, because we are spending serious money on it. A wonderful job is being done on it,” he finished.