Demolition time for derelict Portlaoise Main Street hotel

A derelict hotel on Portlaoise Main Street will be knocked down in 2025, with Laois County Council announcing its demolition.

Vacant for over 20 years, the former County Hotel is destined to be replaced with a secure modern three storey apartment block of 10 homes for single people and small families in need of social housing. Eight apartments will have one bedroom, and two will have two bedrooms.

The council has announced its intention to start demolition, and then construction in 2025. 

The building will likely be demolished in late spring. Clúid Housing Association will then carry out the construction. 

The old hotel was bought up by the council in 2018, after a drawn out effort to encourage the absent owner to sell the derelict building, described as “an eyesore” on the Main Street.

It has a special history for Portlaoise people. The front section is made of stone, dating to 1810, but to the rear, a large 1960s ballroom sparked many a romance for local couples. 

It suffered several fires in recent years, and the council invested money to secure it, stop debris falling on the street, and have a mural painted to beautify the building.

See the approved plans with interior photos and history of the hotel. 

The hotel facade is still a protected structure, but permission was given for demolition because development of the site was otherwise impossible, with no rear access. The site backs onto commercial office buildings on James Fintan Lalor Avenue beside Portlaoise Credit Union.

The planning application has already been approved in a Part 8 plan by Laois county councillors.

Anyone can view the plans for a final time on the council's website www.consult.laois.ie from December 17 to January 23, and send submissions about it to An Bord Pleanála, by February 6. 

The project is the second of two major Portlaoise housing developments announced as going ahead by Laois County Council. The other is on Tyrrells Land on the Stradbally road, producing 67 houses and apartments for social and affordable use.