Green light for multi-million Laois Civil Defence headquarters

Laois Civil Defence volunteers can look forward to a state-of-the-art new headquarters to support their brave community work.

The emergency responders who operate under the management of Laois County Council, are to get a €1.5million base in Portlaoise in an 850sqm building, big enough for all their vehicles and training exercises. 

A prefab used by Laois Order of Malta volunteer medics will be demolished, with that group to be accommodated elsewhere.

Design plans were given a green light by councillors at the February Laois County Council meeting in a Section 183 decision.

Laois Civil Defence members were involved in 113 different operations during 2022, from community events to missing person operations and ambulance assist calls.

The branch has 34 active members with nine more in recruitment training, with 17 vehicles and two boats.

All are based at an old squash court that was bought by the council in Stradbally.

The current headquarters is described by Laois County Council as "not fit for purpose" both for staff welfare and training.

The council had spent two years searching for an existing building in Portlaoise to buy but nothing was found, eventually falling back on its own land, its storage depot on the Mountrath road on the outskirts of Portlaoise.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley who has pushed to get a new headquarters in several motions since 2021, proposed the planning approval.

"The Civil Defence were adamant themselves that Portlaoise town was where this was needed. They do fantastic work, at terrible times in the year, in winter and in terrible cases they are called out to.

"I am aware there were consultations with the Order of Malta, I am happy they are happy, I'm delighted there were no objections, this is a great project," she said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly seconded, and asked how long it will take to build it, and if there is money secured.

"It's been many years in the offing, it's great to see it come to pass. I thank the Civil Defence for the great work they do," he said.

No limit on Laois Croi Conaithe house refurbishment budget

Laois County Council will build the HQ on its land in Portlaoise Business and Technology Park on the Mountrath Road.

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. 

There is €1.5 million set aside for the building in the council's Capital Budget of 2022-2024.

The planning approval followed a period where the plans were on public display, with no submissions received.