New plan to convert Laois village pub for IPAS use
It’s the second planning application to use the pub for IPAS
A planning application has been lodged to turn a pub in Durrow into IPAS accommodation.
Marc Lennon has lodged a planning application with Laois County Council to change Lennon’s Bar on Mary Street in Durrow from a pub, guesthouse/hostel into accommodation solely for International Protection Applicants (IPAS) use.
Mr Lennon’s previous application to convert Lennon’s Bar for IPAS use was met with strong local opposition in Durrow. Public meetings were held and a fundraising page was set up to pay for the services of a planning consultant. The application was approved by Laois County Council but rejected on appeal by An Comisiun Pleanala.
The latest application was lodged with Laois County Council on Friday, October 16, 2026. It seeks to “change the use of the existing pub and guesthouse/hostel permitted under Reg. Ref. 2460198 to be used as accommodation for International Protection Applicants (IPAS) only.”
According to the application, the plan includes the change of use of the existing bar on the ground floor and private accommodation on the first floor (both floors permitted as Guesthouse/Hostel use) for use for accommodation on both ground floor and first floor, comprising nine bedrooms with 33 bedspaces. Permission for additional kitchen dining area, communal living area, dining room, study and communal space and two storage areas is also sought.
The ground floor would have female bathroom facilities and male bathroom facilities while the first floor also has mixed bathroom facilities and a new laundry area is to be located to the rear, attached by a covered canopy.
The planning permission is due to be decided by Laois County Council on December 10.