Protected building on billionaire's estate in Laois to be knocked and rebuilt

Billionaire brothers are in the process of getting the green light to knock and rebuild a boathouse on the grounds of an Abbeyleix estate they bought for millions of euros.

A company owned by the Collision brothers called Comhlacht na Feirme Ltd has initiated a planning application to to develop a 0.1 hectare within the estate.

They have told the council that the subject site is located at the 'Boathouse' and associated lands, on the the eastern bank of the River Nore, in the central part of the huge Estate

The council has been told that the 'Boathouse' is a Protected Structure (RPS-090-N). The application says the development will consist of the deconstruction of existing above-ground structure (including shallow foundations) and the re-construction of the structure.

It is stated that this will include the construction of new piled concrete ground beams, the installation of new supporting steel superstructure and the re-construction of the masonry superstructure and timber roof structure.

The new building will be re-roofed using new clay tiles to match existing roof. Refurbishment of the existing porch door is also planned and a new window timber latticework is envisaged. Refurbishment of iron railings is also planned.

Laois County Council's planners have been told that all proposed works will be undertaken above the river level.  The application says a Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development.

The incompleted application was lodged with County Hall in Portlaoise on February 21.

The centerpiece of the estate is Abbey Leix House which was purchased in June 2021 by John Collison from banker Sir David Davies. He paid about €20 million to estate and former ancestral home of the de Vesci family.

The 18th century house sits on 1,120 acres that includes woodlands, walled gardens and farmland. Apart from the 2,500 sq m main house, there are 10 estate houses and cottages.

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In February 1, €400,000 was paid for second mansion on the estate - the derelict Millbrook House. It was purchased from Laois County Council on the condition that it would be refurbished. It is estimated that it will cost €2 million to restore the mansion to its former glory.