Laois County Council has issued tenders for the refurbishment and extension of the old Borris-in-Ossory courthouse, following several months of delays.

The renovation project, which was driven by the local community with the backing of the Council, aims to repurpose the courthouse to create a new digital hub.

A total of €3,352,492 was secured for the renovation of the building under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund last year.

Pictured: The proposed digital hub at the Borris-in-Ossory courthouse

In February of 2024, Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey announced that tender documents were due to be published in April 2025, inviting companies to bid for the contract.

The tenders were officially published on August 22, following a delay of several months. 

Works on this project are due to begin in early 2026, and will consist of conservation and renovation works of the substructure, the existing floor, the repairs to existing finishes and stairs, a replacement of the roof finish, and preservation remedial works. 

The works will also see general fire stopping, façade sealing, internal door replacements, internal redecoration and similar works.

Fine Gael County Councillor Conor Bergin, Cathaoirleach of the Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District, welcomed this news.

"I am delighted that the tender for the renovation of Borris-In-Ossory Courthouse project has been formally published by Laois County Council," Cllr Bergin told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: Cllr Conor Bergin outside the Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse last February

"I have been working closely with the Council on this issue for the last number of years and we received €3.3 million euro in May 2024 from the Department of Rural & Community Affairs to deliver the project," he said.

"A lot of hard work has been put into the project already by Laois County Council, in consultation with the local community and Part VIII planning was granted by the Council  in late 2023 so once a contractor is appointed, I am hopeful that works can commence in early 2026," Cllr Bergin highlighted.

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The Fine Gael Cllr claimed that this project is possibly 'the biggest project ever undertaken' by the Council in the locality. He explained that the project will be 'transformative' for the village once it is completed.

"It is hoped that the renovated Courthouse has the potential to add 15-20 jobs to Borris-in-Ossory, by allowing more people to work locally and this will hopefully have a positive spin off on local businesses, such as supporting a coffee shop or cafe which it is hoped will be part of the new Courthouse facility," Cllr Bergin finished.

Tenders for this project must be submitted to Laois County Council by 3pm on Monday September 29.

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