Laois County Council and Sofia Housing hosted the official opening of the 52 new social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site on Wednesday, April 29. This historic site in the centre of Portlaoise has been transformed into a mixture of apartments and houses, with a new public park as well as public outreach and youth services also located on the site which will ultimately create a space for the entire community along with its residents. Take a look through some of the photos captured of the official opening by photographer Alf Harvey. Presentation Sisters, Peig O’Rourke, Frances Crowe and Ann Marie Quinn at the official opening of the 52 new Laois County Council and Sophia Housing social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site.

placeholder image — Laois County Council and Sofia Housing hosted the official opening of the 52 new social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site on Wednesday, April 29. This historic site in the centre of Portlaoise has been transformed into a mixture of apartments and houses, with a new public park as well as public outreach and youth services also located on the site which will ultimately create a space for the entire community along with its residents. Take a look through some of the photos captured of the official opening by photographer Alf Harvey. Presentation Sisters, Peig O’Rourke, Frances Crowe and Ann Marie Quinn at the official opening of the 52 new Laois County Council and Sophia Housing social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site.

PICTURES: All smiles as redeveloped Portlaoise Convent officially opens

By Sandra Malone

Reporter

Published 1st May 2026, 21:55 BST

Over €27.6 million has been invested in the redevelopment which has delivered 52 social homes

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Sr. Mary O’Dea, Sophia Housing, Sr Mary McDermott and Sr Helen Hyland, Presentation Order, and Sr Maura Nally.

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Capturing memories at the official opening of the 52 new social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site.

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Sister Frances Crowe speaking at the official opening of Laois County Council and Sophia Housing's social homes on the former Portlaoise Convent site.

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People gathered for the official opening.

Laois County Council Laois

PICTURES: All smiles as redeveloped Portlaoise Convent officially opens

Over €27.6 million has been invested in the redevelopment which has delivered 52 social homes

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