State of the art new Laois Civil Defence headquarters plans revealed

A brand new multi million headquarters for Laois Civil Defence members has gone on public display.

Laois County Council intends to build a new €1.5million base including a storage depot and training facilities, on its own land in Portlaoise Business and Technology Park on the Mountrath Road.

The design is now on view for public feedback.

It will have male and female changing rooms and shower rooms, a canteen, training room, offices, comms room and large storage bay, across a new 850sqm building. 

The land is in Portlaoise, on the Mountrath road. The building will require the demolition of a prefab used by Laois Order of Malta. (see before and after below).

Council Director Simon Walton has stated that there is "no question" of that medical volunteer order being displaced, with a replacement base expected to be provided for them.

Laois County Council explained the need for a purpose built headquarters.

"The existing Civil Defence building in Stradbally was purchased in 1992 and converted from its original use (squash court). The facility is no longer fit for purpose and the training and welfare needs, required of a modern Civil Defence unit and provision of services cannot be sustained in the existing facility.

Below: the Stradbally headquarters.

"In parallel, other, temporary, accommodation arrangements were in place until recently providing an ad-hoc, sporadic, range of accommodation facilities throughout the County, unfit for the needs of Civil Defence. Additionally, operational activity across all Civil Defence services has increased significantly. To date, in 2022, Laois Civil Defence has provided support to 107 different events and operations.

"Laois County Council is seeking to address an acute need for upgraded Civil Defence infrastructure in County Laois, such that Laois Civil Defence can fulfil the current and future role envisaged for it."

The plan includes removal of the existing prefabricated building on the site, Construction of a new 2 story building with suitable training, welfare and storage facilities, Construction of a new secure vehicle compound for storage of vehicles.

They say it will use "green technology".

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The project will be funded by Laois County Council with €1,500,000 set aside in its current, three year rolling capital programme. Additionally, they will seek a grant, circa €150,000, available from the Department of Defence to contribute towards the cost.

The plans are on view on the council's website until January 26.