New Laois housing project to have 'transformational impact' in Portlaoise

A new social housing project on historic Portlaoise property will have a long-term transformational impact and provide much-needed homes, according to the chair of the housing body which is commissioning construction in partnership with Laois County Council.

Michael McCarthy, Chair of the housing body, Sophia Housing, commented as the multi-million contract was formally signed to build 52 homes and amenities on former Church and Convent land and buildings on Church Avenue, Portlaoise.

Bretland Construction, an Endenderry headquartered firm, was awarded the contract for the project following a public procurement process. The process was co-ordinated by Laois County Council backed by the Department of Housing.

John Mulholland Chief Executive of Laois County Council, spoke at the official contract signing on Friday, March 8 at County Halll in Portlaoise, after work had begun on the site. 

“The commencent of work by Bretland on behalf of Sophia on the convent site is yet another very welcome and necessary step in the ongoing regeneration of Portlaoise town centre. In addition to providing 52 quality homes to people who may not otherwise have had an opportunity to avail of accommodation, this landmark project also delivers a heritage and public realm dividend reflecting on the often-undocumented origins of our county town.

"I acknowledge the invaluable support and contribution of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Portlaoise Parish and the Presentation Sisters in leveraging this project through to construction stage.

"All in all, therefore, it's an exceptionally positive story for the core of Portlaoise and I wish every success to Sophia and their contractors Bretland in progressing the Convent project,” he said.

Michael McCarthy Chair of Sophia welcomed what was described as an important development. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Contract signing in the Laois County Council chamber in Portlaoise. Pic: Maxwells

“This a major project that will have long-term transformational impact, it will provide much needed homes and be an important resource to the town of Portlaoise. This project was only made possible by the leadership and support of Laois County Council, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage,” he said.

Mr McCarthy also praised the vision of the Presentation Sisters and Portlaoise Parish for having the imagination and focus to offer their buildings and lands.

“Their buildings and lands, which served the community for over one hundred years will now be re-purposed to respond to the most pressing need in our current times; namely the need for homes,” he said.

The project will see the former convent and former Sacred Heart school converted into housing. A new apartment block will be built on the sit of Portlaoise's Parish Church beside the convent. Sophia says the homes will be ready for the people by end of 2025.

Mr Mulhollhand has told councillors that the project is expected to cost in the region of €26 million. MORE BELOW PICTURE

The contract signing was attended by Nigel Tighe, Construction Director, Bretland Construction, Tony O’Riordan, CEO, Sophia Housing, Georgina Ireland, Senior Executive Officer, Laois County Council, Ciaran O’ Brien, Managing Director OBFA Architects, Tony Meehan, Commercial Director, Bretland Construction, Damien Walsh, Contracts Director, Bretland Construction, Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley, Sr Frances Crowe, Presentation Sisters; Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, Msgr John Byrne, Portlaoise Parish PP, John Mullholland, CEO, Laois County Council, Michael Lee, Company Secretary, Sophia Housing, Cllr Pascal McEvoy, Cathaorleach, LCC, Coleman Yates, Deputy Managing Director, Bretland Construction.

Sophia Housing is a national homeless and housing support organisation which owns and manages over 400 homes across Ireland and supports over 1,200 people each year.