Construction works have begun on a total overhaul of Portlaoise GAA club grounds.

The works are being carried out by BM Lynch Construction & Civil's, a Portlaoise based company owned by Brendan Lynch.

The Rathleague grounds will see the construction of a new clubhouse, a grandstand, four outdoor handball courts and indoor training facilities.

Pictured: The first phase of works have begun at Portlaoise GAA grounds in Rathleague. Photo: BM Lynch Construction & Civils

This new building will include an indoor training field, changing rooms, communal areas, a café/merchandise shop, a town hall, a gym, a physio room, a comms room, a function room and associated kitchen, a bar and meeting rooms.

This first phase of construction will see the development of the proposed car park, the installation of temporary changing facilities for players, and the initial works to pitch 2. The proposed access road adjacent to the new car park will also be formed.

"We are delighted to be appointed as the main site development and civil contractor for Portlaoise GAA's new state of the art facility," Mr Lynch said.

"Works have commenced on the new car park. Despite the poor weather the lads have great progress on the site," he said.

"Looking forward to watching this project develop," Mr Lynch finished.

The position of five outdoor pitches will be changed, and the existing car park will also be relocated to provide for 227 spaces, with 13 accessible parking spots and 23 electric vehicle spaces. A bus set down area will be included, with space for four buses to park.

Pictured: another shot of the first phase of works have begun at Portlaoise GAA grounds in Rathleague. Photo: BM Lynch Construction & Civils

Improvements for GAA players and spectators are also planned. One existing grass pitch will be converted to all-weather synthetic with the inclusion of new floodlights. Four dug-outs and two scoreboards will be developed along with one new spectator seating terrace with seating capacity for 420 fans.

The Council has put 17 conditions on the project, most of which relate to the construction process. The Council has told the club that it would have to make a separate application for an overflow car park.

The club also plans to carry out works to the R425 road to provide traffic calming measures to include a pedestrian crossing, and a redesign of the existing vehicular entrance.

Portlaoise GAA have announced changes to accommodate for the ongoing construction works.

From Monday January 19, access to the Rathleague site will be changed. The current entrance, Gate A, will be closed from Monday onwards.

Laois locals are advised to now enter through the new entrance, Gate B. Members are asked to follow the new access road around the back of the site and up the side of pitch 6, and to turn right into the existing car park.

Locals are asked to exit along the same route they came in.

"There will be signposts along the route to direct members to the car park," Portlaoise GAA announced.

Pictured: works underway.  Photo: BM Lynch Construction & Civils

"These works will run concurrently, allowing progress on multiple elements of the project during this stage," the club revealed.

"To safely carry out these works, Gate A (the existing main access/egress point) for facility users will be temporarily closed. All pedestrian and vehicle access to the existing car park and sports facilities will be diverted through Gate B, via the site accommodation and welfare area, and then through Gate F to connect with the shared haul road," they said.

"Emergency access is a critical priority during this stage. The shared haul road will be maintained as a clear and unobstructed emergency route at all times, ensuring that ambulances, fire services, and other emergency vehicles can gain immediate access to all areas of the facility without delay," they said.

"Strict management controls, regular monitoring, and clear signage will be implemented to ensure the route remains completely free of parked vehicles, obstructions, or construction activities.

"All live construction work areas will be fully secured with 2.4 m high Heras fencing, ensuring clear segregation between construction operations and publicly accessible areas," the club explained.

"This temporary traffic management arrangement will maintain safe and continuous access for facility users while preserving full emergency response capability throughout the works. Directional signage, barriers, and traffic marshals (as required) will be provided to ensure safe and efficient circulation during this period.

"Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this construction phase," the club finished.

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