Plans changing for major new filling station on Dublin Road in Portlaoise

The existing Downey's service station in Portlaoise. Photo: Google Maps

placeholder image — The existing Downey's service station in Portlaoise. Photo: Google Maps

Laois planners are being asked to approve altered plans for service station

An approved planning application for a big new service station in Portlaoise is going back to Laois County Council for alterations.

Back in 2022, planners approved an application to build a two storey station at the Leinster Express Business Park on the Dublin Road, replacing Downey's service station next door. The project will include the reconstruction of a bigger roundabout at Collier's Lane, to include an entrance to the service station.

The site of the new service station. Image: Google Maps

It is connected to a second plan, backed by the Downey family, to convert the existing filling station into a car sales and showroom. That plan was approved in August 2022, despite several objections.

The application was later appealed to An Bord Pleanála, and despite a recommendation of rejection by their own inspector, it upheld the planning approval.

Architect's drawing of the new Downey's service station on the Dublin Road, Portlaoise.

Now the applicant Portlaoise Service Station seeks changes, in a new application lodged in early September.

It seeks to alter the plans by amending the site boundaries, the demolition of an existing building, relocation of previously approved underground tanks, fuel offload and lastly, to relocate an increased size carwash and all associated site works including new boundary treatments.

The original plan includes a new two storey petrol filing station and licenced forecourt convenience store comprising of retail shop, delicatessen area, toilets, stores, ATM, seating area with full offlicence to ground floor. Staff facilities with canteen, offices spaces, plant space and external plant to first floor. New forecourt with canopy, pump islands, signage, illuminated roadside totem signage, services area, Carwash, underground fuel storage tanks, EV charging, carparking, fuel offloading point, relocate site entrance and all associated site works including new boundary treatments and landscaping.

A decision on the latest application is due by October 30.