PROPERTY: Buyer confirms plan for historic Portlaoise site inside fort walls

A prime development site inside a largely intact historic Laois fort that went on the market in March, has been snapped up.

The site was hidden away inside the 16th century English military Fort Protector thick stone walls in Portlaoise town centre.

Measuring 0.11 acres including a stunning arched stone shed, it was on sale for €125,000, suggested by the auctioneer as having commercial or residential opportunities.

Its buyer has now confirmed their identity, and their intentions.

The stone building on the Portlaoise site. 

Laois County Council has confirmed it has struck the deal, ensuring it will be available into the future for the public to enjoy.

Director of Services Angela McEvoy gave details to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"An offer made by Laois County Council has been accepted for the purchase of the site at Tower Hill, Portlaoise which is subject to contracts being exchanged in the coming weeks.

"This offers the Council an excellent opportunity to continue to develop the experience at the Cultural Quarter within the Old Fort of Maryborough and at Fitzmaurice Place which includes the Outdoor Performance Space.

"Once the acquisition has been completed, the Council will develop a project brief for the site having regard to the historic, heritage and planning requirements," Ms McEvoy said.

The agreed price is yet to be disclosed.

Laois County Council had bought the site next door inside the fort from Portlaoise Parish some years ago. It now houses Laois School of Music, and a covered outdoor event space. The council and Laois Heritage have funded the partial restoration of the fort walls, with intentions to create a visitor attraction.

It was the first English military fort built outside the Pale in Ireland, during the 1500s, with intentions to quell Laois rebellions. Some of the square fort walls now form parts of businesses and shops on Main Street. Read about its history here.

Read more on Portlaoise's Tudor colonial roots here, by Laois historian Sean Murray.

Portlaoise now has an annual festival based around and inside the Fort Protecter walls. The Old Fort Quarter Festival will take place this June 27, 28 and 29 with tickets on sale. See full story here.