Watch: 'New chapter' in Laois for Downeys service station in Portlaoise

The Downey family has opened a new chapter in their business story in Laois with the opening of a Centra shop and Texaco service station in Portlaoise.

Nearly a decade after purchasing the former Leinster Express Business Park on the Dublin Road, the doors opened on September 1, 2026, on a multi-million-euro development.

Speaking to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on opening day, Richie Downey said he was looking forward to ‘a new chapter’ for the business following a relocation from nearby premises which will be the location for a second-phase development involving Downey’s car business.

It is nearly a year and a half since work began to knock down the former home of the Leinster Express at the junction of the Dublin Road and Colliers Lane.

The shop is located on a two-acre site which was purchased in 2017. After a number of years with An Bord Pleanála, planning permission was granted to Portlaoise Service Station Ltd in early 2024.

Insight Architects, a RIAI-registered practice based in Portlaoise, designed the new building.

“The new station will provide a more spacious facility for the customers, including parking for cars and coaches, e-charging, and quick access to the fueling pumps. Internally, a large convenience shop with deli and other offerings,” said the company.

A new roundabout has also had to be built at the junction of Colliers Lane, Dublin Road and the new premises to facilitate the redevelopment.

The new filling station includes a new two-storey building with a shop, a delicatessen area, toilets, stores, ATM, a seating area, with a full off-licence on the ground floor. The first floor has staff facilities with a canteen and office space.

The property also includes a forecourt with canopy, pump islands, signage, illuminated roadside totem signage, a services area, a car wash, and underground fuel storage tanks. There is car parking spaces, EV charging, disability spaces and bicycle spaces.