Contract signed on multi-million euro redevelopment of Laois landmark

Laois County Council has announced the signing of contracts for the major redevelopment of the Borris‑in‑Ossory Courthouse situated on the town’s main street.

This project has been in the pipeline for several years, which aims to transform the courthouse into a new digital hub for workers, with the possibility of a café onsite. See here for the courthouse's redesign plans).

Pictured: A digital rendering of what the Borris-in-Ossory Courthouse is expected to look like

This significant heritage‑led regeneration project represents an investment of €4.6 million, which is hoped to bring positive economic, environmental and social benefits to Borris-in-Ossory.

The project is being delivered by Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and is jointly funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).

The redevelopment, designed by Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture, includes linking the north and south wings of the building, adding a passenger lift, and creating a multi-purpose space.

Pictured: Lesley Cowper of Laois County Council; Angela McEvoy Director of Services; Ken Morley Senior Executive Engineer; Cllr John King; Cllr James Kelly; Lucy O’Connor and Patrick Tyrrell of Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture; Catherine Guidera of the Town Regeneration Section; Michael Rainey, Chief Executive; Cllr Conor Bergin; Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh; Terry Higgins and Jonathan Higgins of Braemar Construction Ltd.

Following approval by the DRCDG to proceed with construction works, Braemar Construction Ltd has been appointed as main contractor. Works are expected to commence within the next month, with a project completion timeline of 18 months.

The redevelopment will see the substantial renewal and repurposing of the derelict local landmark to get it back into active use for the first time in many years.

“The signing of these contracts represents significant progress in bringing this important regeneration project to fruition," said Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey.

"Restoring the Courthouse not only safeguards valuable architectural heritage but also provides new, high‑quality facilities that will support enterprise, community groups, and town centre renewal for future years.

"We welcome the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in enabling this transformative project to proceed," he finished.

Pictured: Michael Rainey (Chief Executive Laois County Council), Councillor Conor Bergin (Chairperson of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick Municipal District), Councillor Barry Walsh (Cathaoirleach Laois County Council),  Terry Higgins (Braemar Construction Ltd.),  Jonathan Higgins, (Braemar Construction Ltd.)

Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh was in attendance, along with Councillors Conor Bergin, Cllr John King and Cllr James Kelly of the Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

The Town Regeneration Team were in attendance, along with Senior Executive Engineer, Mr Ken Morley, Administrative Officer Ms Lesley Cowper and Clerical Officer Ms Catherine Guidera.

Over the next 18 months, Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section will manage the delivery of this project.

“I am looking forward to the first sod being turned on site and working with the contractor Braemar Construction Ltd and consultant Architects, Howley Hayes Cooney Architecture to restore this landmark building," said Ms Angela McEvoy, Director of Services at Laois County Council.

"The completion of the Community and Digital Enterprise Hub will protect what is an iconic building in Borris-in-Ossory for current and future generations to come," she finished.

The courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory was built between 1825 and 1830. The building ceased operating as a courthouse in the 1950's, and was used as council storage in the years after. Laois County Council now hold offices on the premises.

The original building was burned down in 1921.

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 in August 2025.