Civil Defence Headquarters to be used as local election count centre

An Post is no longer using Laois Civil Defence’s new headquarters in Portlaoise. 

The base at the former Ging's Hardware store in the Kea-Lew Business Park was purchased by the council for €1.85 million in 2023. 

The move caused controversy when it was learned that the Civil Defence had been unable to accommodate all of their vehicles as the building was being used by An Post, who had an existing lease which was due to end by March of this year. 

Sinn Fein Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley sought an update on the situation at the latest monthly meeting of Laois County Council.    

She was told  Laois Civil Defence had “substantially consolidated” their operations at the premises which is now also being used by the Civil Defence for weekly training. Part of the building is going to be used as a count centre for the upcoming local elections. 

Cllr Dwane Stanley admitted she had been “really annoyed” when she first raised the issue. 

“I am delighted now that An Post has vacated the building,” she said.

She said she wanted to acknowledge the great work that has been done and the ongoing good work of the Civil Defence. 

“Most of their equipment is up there including their vehicles. It is also going to be a count centre,” she noted. 

Council Director of Services Simon Walton said the base will now be home to 60 or 70 volunteers and the feedback from them had been very positive. 

Fianna Fail Cllr John Joe Fennelly congratulated all involved with securing the new Laois Civil Defence base. 

“This was a good news story from the start,” he said.