Laois rugby club plans major new indoor training building

Portarlington Rugby Club have lodged a planning application with Laois County Council for a new indoor training area building at their grounds in Lea, Portarlington.

The application, submitted by club secretary Darragh Brereton, seeks planning permission for an indoor training facility and all associated site works at the club's grounds at Lea, Portarlington, Co Laois.

Documents lodged as part of the application show that the proposed building will be constructed to the right of the existing clubhouse, with the temporary storage shed currently on site set to be removed to facilitate the development.

The planned building will measure 30 metres by 29 metres and will incorporate an indoor training area, storage facilities, a gym, as well as separate men's and women's toilets and shower facilities. The plans also show that translucent cladding sheets will be used as part of the building's design to allow natural light into the facility.

The proposed development would provide the club with additional indoor facilities, including a dedicated training space and gym, alongside upgraded changing and shower amenities.

This is the second planning application lodged by Portarlington Rugby Club with Laois County Council in recent times. The club was previously granted planning permission to install six new floodlight columns on its second pitch at its Lea grounds, which will allow for improved lighting facilities at the venue.

Members of the public wishing to make a submission or observation in relation to the application can do so in writing to Laois County Council within five weeks of the date the application was received. The prescribed fee for making a submission or observation is €20.

The latest application is now before Laois County Council, with the decision date listed as January 12, 2027.