Demolition time ahead for derelict Portlaoise hotel
Laois County Council announces plans for new apartment block
A landmark derelict hotel on Portlaoise Main Street is coming down, to make way for new social apartments.
The saga of the old County Hotel is hitting its final chapter, with the announced of demolition plans by Laois County Council.
It is six years since a plan was first announced for the derelict building to become social housing apartments, to be built and owned by Clúid Housing.
The plan had stalled while the council sought to delist its front facade as a protected structure, which made works practically impossible because the building has no rear access.
The hotel, once a popular dance venue, shut decades ago and fell into dereliction, later being damaged by several fires.
It was bought by Laois County Council in 2018. They have announced the Part 8 planning proposal.
“The development will consist of the demolition of the existing, derelict, three storey building (approx. 857m²), construction of a new, three storey 864m² apartment building, with 10 residential units and a communal/ enterprise space at ground level, additional pedestrian access point, varied boundary treatments and landscaping works and all ancillary site works.
There will be eight 1 bed apartments and two 2 bed apartments.
The plans will be on public display for comment from July 16 to August 13. The advertisement is in this week's Leinster Express newspaper.