Laois veterinary small animal clinic seeks to build big premises
Portarlington business has five staff including vet owner
A Laois veterinary clinic is seeking to build a big new two storey premises so it can continue to grow.
Portarlington vet Anne Flanagan who mainly treats cats and dogs, has lodged a planning application with Laois County Council to construct a new clinic, having outgrown her small premises.
The business currently employs five staff including the vet herself in a small surgery in the town centre.
The application seeks permission to build a two storey Veterinary Clinic for small animals only. It will be built further out of the town on the Lea Road, next to the vet's own house.
A design statement explains that "Ms Anne Flanagan currently operates her existing Veterinary Surgery off the Main Street in Portarlington.
"Due to size constraints the small animal clinic still continues to grow. If permission was granted it would provide a new facility for the treatment of small animals of cats and dogs.
"This is a valuable service and is required for the increasing population and new builds in Portarlington, Co. Laois and Co. Offaly."
The ground floor measuring 160.5msq will comprise two treatment rooms, a prep room / surgery, a reception / waiting area, Xray, Cattery, Kennels and Grooming area.
First floor of 52.5mq will comprise of office and staff facilities. Permission is also sought for two signs, for the reuse of an existing agricultural entrance off the Lea Road with new gates and piers.
The proposed clinic would be "solely a small animal clinic" open 9am- 6pm Mon - Friday and Saturday 9am - 3pm. Roughly 15 patients are seen a day by appointment only. It will be situated about 33meters back from the road side edge the R420 which is the Main Monasterevin / Portarlington route.
The application was lodged last week on October 10 but sent back as "invalid" days later by Laois County Council who said elevation drawings do not match the plans. It can be resubmitted.