Airbnb style plan for former vacant Portlaoise shop

placeholder image — Portlaoise Main Street

A vacant listed shopfront building on Main Street in Portlaoise is set to become short term tourist accommodation, if Laois planners agree.

A planning application has been lodged to Laois County Council for a change of use from apartments to "tourism accommodation to include tourist short term letting, corporate letting and all associated site works".

It is for the former Adams Chemist, Number 58 Main Street, listed on the Record of Protected Structures.

Below: the building (on the right) has been recently refurbished. Image: Google Maps

Applicant Haler Lea Associates Ltd say in their application that they "attempted to lease same to Laois County Council but failed to gain any interest from the Council".

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They have refurbished the former chemist already, turning it into an apartment, retaining the traditional shopfront exterior but with timber shutters for privacy. Upstairs is another apartment and a third in is a mews to the rear, offering three units for rent.

"Following the closure of O'Loughlin's Hotel on Main Street, there is a shortfall in the market for same," the application states.

A decision is due in late July.