Landmark building in Laois finally set be completed after delayed renovation

The landmark Market House in Portarlington is finally due to open before the end of the year, but its use has yet to be decided despite the fact that it's been four years since funding was secured, it emerged at a recent meeting between Laois county councillors and officials.  

This status of the ambitious project emerged at the recent Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District where Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins asked in a motion for an update on the Market House.

Laois County Council’s Capital Projects Office replied in writing.

“The external works including paving of the forecourt area are currently being carried out by the local contractor.

"The majority of the interior has been completed with snagging to shortly commence. Works are due to be substantially completed by the end of October, weather depending (for external works).

"Current completion date is mid-November following snagging. In addition, the Property Management Section are discussing the operation of the structure with a local community group,” it said. 

Cllr Mullins said it was a great project which was very much welcomed by the community in Portarlington. He asked about the delay as he said the hoarding has been removed and the external works have commenced.

“The pyramids would have been built in less time,” Cllr Mullins told a meeting. 

Director of Services Julie Bergin said there were delays, but they were more on the internal side of the works. “It is expected that it would be completed by the end of the year,” she said. 

Independent Cllr Aisling Moran said “you don’t know exactly yet what it is going to be used for” and Ms Bergin replied, “no”. 

Cllr Moran then asked if the work had come in on budget and Ms Bergin said she would have to find out. 

Cllr Mullins said he wanted to make it clear that he wasn’t criticising the developer. 

Ms Bergin said with old buildings “unexpected things” can arise and that can lead to "unexpected costs” but she insisted she wasn’t saying that was the case here.  MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Hoarding around the building during the summer when it appeared that work hat paused.

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan said that with old buildings nobody can tell what kind of issues might arise. “It will be a great project when finished,” he remarked.

Cllr Moran seconded the motion at the monthly Municipal District meeting.  

County councillors were told in November 2024 that the work was due to have been done by March 2025. Quizzed by Cllr Mullins at the time, Director for Housing Angela McEvoy said a final use had yet to be confirmed though she said it is designed to have meeting rooms, offices and useful spaces for the public.

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The renovation began in 2023 after the building was leased by the local authority. The council was granted funding of €1.2 million in 2021 by the Department of Rural Affairs and Community Development for the project which includes the surroundings in the square. The council committed a further €0.18 million to the project.

The House is believed to have been built around 1740-1750.