Council asked put former Laois fire station to community use 

Laois County Council has been asked to allow the former Fire Station in Stradbally put to community use.  

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paschal McEvoy made the request in a motion at the December meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. 

He asked:  “That this Council considers leasing the Fire Station in Stradbally to the community in the area to set up  a Men’s / Women’s Shed as soon as the service moves to their new premises.”

“What I am trying to do here is to be the first in line to take over the building,” said Cllr McEvoy.

“It is an ideal premises for this type of a set up,” said Cllr McEvoy, who noted it was in a “prime location” in the town. 

In a written response, Director of Services, Donal Brennan stated that: “If Fire/Property have no long term interest, the long term use of the old Fire Station will be examined after the new station is built and the transfer of operations have been completed.”

Cllr McEVoy welcomed the response and said, “I am taking it that we are first in line.” 

Independent Cllr Aidan Mullins noted that the old fire station in Portarlington had been given over to the Men's Shed group. It had been very successful, he said, describing it as a “marvelous” initiative.

Independent Cllr Ben Brennan  commended Cllr McEvoy on what he called an “excellent” motion, as did Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan.  “If there is anything I can help you with, we will work together,” she said.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Padraig Fleming agreed and said it was a very positive motion which deserved support.