Laois neighbours appealing against Portlaoise medical centre plan

Neighbours to a medical centre beside Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise have appealed an expansion plan into a shed.

Laois County Council had recently given approval for the conversion of a disused concrete workshop into a private medical surgical business on the Dublin Road in Portlaoise. 

However three of the neighbours who had objected to the application, are now appealing the decision to An Coimisiún Pleanála, stalling works pending a decision by the national planning authority. 

The workshop is at the rear of Boston Health Centre and Boston Pharmacy, owned by the applicant Dr A Ahmad.

Dr Ahmad had applied for change of use of an existing two storey joinery workshop to a private Medical out patients Surgical Centre. Works would consist of restorations, alterations and an extension to the east and west elevation of the existing concrete structure.

He had approval for the removal of an existing round (barrel) roof and replacement with a similar roof with ridge height increased to match the Boston Health Centre. He also got permission for a two storey porch entrance extension on the existing car park on the south elevation, and ancillary site works.

The council had asked for further information on the application before giving approval.

A previous application by him to turn the disused workshop into apartments was refused by Laois County Council. 

The appeal is being brought by Thomas Maguire and by Kieran and Anne Conroy.

The Conroys say they live in a bungalow that faces the shed. They said the development would block light and impede on their view and privacy. 

They said that potential use of the small access laneway to the workshop for parking would create a "serious health and safety risk". They said that the maximum 2.4 access height under an overhead extension at the existing centre, would create problems if a fire tender had to gain access. They said their garage shared a wall with the workshop and their car was at "severe risk of damage". They are concerned for the hazard of gases stored for operations.

They predict the job would need demolition, and said it will have a detrimental affect on neighbouring properties.

An architects study was submitted on behalf of Mr Maguire, who also submitted a lengthy objection by a medical professional, saying that any patients would be "put in grave danger and one's personal safety threatened" if procedures were carried out in the converted building.

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The study said the building was not of a necessary standard. It said the proposed layout was "inappropriate and not compliant with healthcare, theatre and Xray regulations.  It noted the application showed no waste disposal, no plant room, no air conditioning, no opening times and no plan for emergency vehicle access, among other concerns.

The medical centre in front of the workshop was previously converted from a first floor restaurant owned by the same doctor. 

Dr Ahmad previously offered to buy and run Portlaoise hospital to prevent the HSE from downgrading it.

The case is due to be decided by January 21, 2026.