Bids invited for €2 million landmark Laois community hub

A big step has been been taken in the development of a Community Enterprise Hub for Durrow with the invite to contractors to bid for the construction contract.

Just before Christmas Laois County Council initiated the tender process for the hub earmarked for Patrick St in the south Laois village. Working in conjunction with the Laois for Durrow Development Forum CLG, the council published an envelope of documents and plans for the construction project which has an estimated value of €2 million.

The construction project is being managed by Laois County Council on behalf of the Forum.

Apart from work on the existing historic buildings, the Council and the Forum want to build a new two-storey structure to provide the main accommodation for the enterprise centre while linking to the refurbished hall so that it can be used also, and providing universal access for it.

The new building will be constructed on a site adjacent to the former Methodist Chapel and Hal which will also be refurbished.

Apart from enterprise and co-working uses it is anticipated that the development will provide for community uses as well as a cultural/gallery and exhibition space.

Facilities include: SEE BELOW PICTURE.

• Multi-purpose meeting room/rehearsal room in the former chapel
• Atrium gallery and exhibition space
• Three large meeting/activity rooms, which can be opened into 1 large area
• Two individual studios on the first floor with an open plan hot desk area of up to 12 spaces and 2 large team offices
• Reception area, toilets and storage
• External car parking, incl EV charging points and bicycle stands

It is anticipated that construction work will begin in March with the building substantially completed by the end of April
2026.

It's more than six years since the Forum sought planning permission for the project. Prior to applying for permission, the Forum purchased the hall and and a former Civil Defence building on Patrick St. In 2019, Evelyn Clancy, Forum Chairperson, anticipated investing €1 million to bring these buildings back into the community.

While permission was granted in 2019, Laois County Council got involved to partner with the community group on the project. Laois County Council embarked on a new process in 2024 in partnership with the forum which led to the green light being given for a revised project.

Money has come from various sources to pay for the construction. Funds raised from the Durrow Scarecrow Festival and other initiatives have helped as has funding from Laois County Council. 

Over €1.4 m allocated under the fourth round of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in November 2022. At the time the total cost of the project was estimated at €1.82 million.