Laois library wins prestigious Public Building of the Year award
Portlaoise Library, which was redeveloped in 2023, took home the national award
Portlaoise Library has won the prestigious award for Public Building of the Year at this year's Building and Architect of the Year Awards.
MCOH Architects, who designed the library, were presented with the award at a ceremony held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry on Thursday, April 22.
The new Portlaoise Library was officially opened by the former Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, in July 2023.
The library was redeveloped on the site of the former Shaws Department Store on Main Street in Portlaoise, with over €7.5 million invested in the project.
Portlaoise Library was selected for the Public Building of the Year 2026 award out of an impressive shortlist which included Belfast Grand Central Station, Killaloe Garda Station, Shankill Shared Women's Centre and Meakstown Community Centre.
The award has placed Portlaoise Library amongst some of the most notable public projects constructed in recent years.
In the judges' citation they noted: "Portlaoise Library, designed by MCOH Architects, is a carefully resolved public building defined by clear massing, legible spatial hierarchy and site-sensitive materiality.
"Reinstating a prominent town-centre corner, the design responds sympathetically to its historic context while establishing a strong contemporary identity and lasting civic value."
County Librarian, Bernie Foran, has welcomed the news, saying: "We are absolutely delighted and very proud that Portlaoise Library has won this prestigious award. The new Library and space on Portlaoise Main Street is a fantastic free resource for the whole community in the town and county, providing a modern welcoming space for all.
"It provides a wonderful high-quality facility in the heart of the town’s Cultural Quarter. I would like to warmly acknowledge the library team and senior management at Laois County Council for all of their support on the project and congratulate MCOH architects for their vision and design of the library in this landmark site on Main Street, Portlaoise."
Also commenting on the huge win, Director of MCOH Architects, Conor Finnegan MRIAI, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious award, which recognises the dedication and excellence poured into our project.
"Being honoured among our peers is a remarkable achievement, especially considering the strong competition within the Public Buildings Category, where outstanding buildings from across the country were nominated."