Council to purchase landmark Laois building

A landmark Laois building which featured in a Hollywood film is to be purchased by Laois County Council. 

The old cinema in the centre of Portarlington could now be transformed into an enterprise space. The old cinema features a mural which was painted to commemorate its appearance in the 1992 film ‘Into the West’. 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins welcomed the move which he said would assist in the ongoing upgrade of Market Square in the town. 

“Laois County Council have just announced that they are currently finalising the purchase of the former cinema in Portarlington,” Cllr Mullins revealed. 

“It has been vacant for many years and the Council will explore its potential to create a new town centre enterprise space. This is welcome as the  Portarlington Enterprise Centre on Canal Road is at full capacity,” he said. 

According to Cllr Mullins, “this will also assist in the continuing upgrade of the Market Square and in the implementation of the Portarlington Regeneration Strategy.”

The former cinema was advertised for sale as an imposing three-storey 4,000 sq ft building with potential for retail plus residential overhead, or to remodel, by Portarlington Auctioneer Matt Dunne. Mr Dunne told the Leinster Express that the entire building has recently been reroofed at "enormous expense" when he had it on sale with a guide price of €300,000.

He said it is located on the Market Square, for which extensive regeneration plans are in place. The nearby Market House is being renovated for public use.

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Laois County Council had backed public calls for it to be returned to some use as part of the preparation of the 2030 Portarlington Regeneration Strategy.