Tech billionaire backing revamp of shops in Laois Heritage Town
Abbeyleix Tidy Town team up with Abbeyleix House and Farm, which is owned by John Collison
Thousands of euros are being offered to shopkeepers and other retail premises in Abbeyleix to upgrade or restore the fronts of their businesses under a new initiative launched by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and Abbeyleix House and Farm, which is owned by an Irish tech billionaire.
The Tidy Towns Committee and the House & Farm, which is owned by John Collison, say they are “delighted” to offer an opportunity for local retail businesses in the centre of Abbeyleix which has Heritage Town status. Grants of more than €10,000 are on offer to support businesses depending on the scale of work planned.
“This is a unique chance to be part of a very special initiative celebrating everything that makes Abbeyleix such a vibrant and welcoming town,” said the announcement inviting local property owners to apply.
The organisers say Abbeyleix has become one of Ireland's leading heritage towns, with a strong vision for a “vibrant, sustainable future” that supports local businesses and encourages people to live, work and visit the town.
The partners say that they want to help bring that vision to life, but understand that doing so can be financially prohibitive.
“We know that running a business today comes with rising costs and competing priorities, meaning shopfront improvements are often put on hold. This scheme is designed to help you with that.
“We are now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from retail businesses in the Abbeyleix Main Street wishing to upgrade or restore their shopfronts in keeping with Abbeyleix's historic character and traditional design principles.
“If you've been thinking about improving the appearance of your premises, we'd love to hear from you,” said the invite.
There are generous levels of support. DETAILS BELOW PHOTO
- €0 –€1,000(minorimprovements, paint, signage, small details)
- €1,000 –€5,000 (moderate upgrades, shopfront elements, lighting, repairs)
- €5,000 –€10,000 (significant enhancements, partial refurbishments)
- €10,000+ (full shopfront upgrades or more transformational projects)
Apart from the financial support, expert guidance on traditional design and materials will be provided alongside support to help source skilled craftsmanship.
Applicants must submit an estimated costing proposal for work that can be completed before the end of 2026. Applications will be assessed by an independent panel comprising representatives from Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Abbeyleix House and Farm, and an independent trade professional. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
If successful, the partners say the scheme will be rolled out annually. More details here https://public.app.basecamp.com/p/ehhLnrg7MRoCeM8kG3kbC74P
Abbeyleix House and Farm is owned by Mr Collison from Limerick, who is co-founder with his brother Patrick of the Silicon Valley tech payments giant Stripe. He purchased the famous estate founded by the de Vesci family from Sir David Davies in a multi-million euro deal in 2021 after a global marketing campaign to advertise its sale.
Since his purchase, work has been done on the mansion and estate buildings, which date to the 1770s and are located on 1,000 of acres of land. The land and home are open to the public once a year as part of a charity fundraising event.
He subsequently purchased Millbrook House on the estate, rescuing it from dereliction and turning it into a high-end restaurant and guesthouse, which opened in July 2026. This was enabled by a Laois County Council Compulsory Purchase Order of the building on the basis that Mr Collision would in turn buy the building and restor it.
Abbeyleix is said to be one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland, thanks largely to the de Vesci family’s investment in several landmark buildings.