Approval for former Laois pub to become 29 bed hostel

Laois County Council has approved plans to turn a former village pub into a 29 bed hostel. 

The Swan public house is located in the picturesque village of Clonaslee in the Slieve Bloom Mountains. 

Jam and Olives Ltd applied for permission to turn The Swan Public House into a hostel with seven bedrooms, a dining room and self catering kitchen in January. The plans have now been approved by the council subject to 17 conditions. 

According to the planning assessment report, “the proposed development aims to revitalize the currently vacant building and provide accommodation for active tourism in and around the Slieve Bloom mountains and the Brittas Forest Recreation Area.”

It also states that the planned “hostel will encourage visitors to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, and Brittas Forest Recreation Area to stay in Clonaslee during their visits and has the potential to revitalize the town and bring tourists and visitors to the town’s business.”

The developers say the hostel will meet Fáilte Ireland Quality Standards. 

Planning  approval was granted for: “A. The conversion of The Swan Public House into hostel accommodation, comprising of 29 bed capacity over seven bedrooms with associated common room, dining room, self-catering kitchen, and associated office and ancillary spaces for administration of the development, and all associated site works. “

The plans include a new shopfront, additional windows, a rooflight and three masonry outbuildings with flat roofs within an existing courtyard. 

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The plans were approved by Laois County Council subject to 17 conditions on Thursday, May 22.