Shops and drive-thru restaurant for Portlaoise former religious land
Planning application submitted to Laois County Council
An application has been lodged to Laois County Council for a radical new development on former religious lands in the heart of Portlaoise town.
Applicant James Graham whose company is restoring Portleix House, has unveiled drawings of the shopping area, drive through restaurant and carpark he plans to build, as well as some demolition works.
The applicant proposes to open up the development land to the new Triogue River walk and cycle path planned by Laois County Council.
The vehicular entrance is planned to be on Mill View, beside the memorial park, and facing the Ridge Burial Ground.
Pedestrian access would be opened up opposite St Peter & Paul's Church, next to a proposed restaurant.
There will be two large shops.
"The proposed development consists of a new retail development which contains one large retail unit of 3068 m² with a detached covered service yard of area 400m² to the north of the large retail unit and a smaller retail/commercial unit of area 322m².
"The development is proposing to connect the pedestrian user to the proposed new retail units via an open public space from the existing pedestrian crossing on the Dublin Road and the new proposed Triogue Blueway walkway. The development will increase the available car parking spaces along with secure bicycle parking within the town area and hopefully bring a more accessible retail development into the town centre of Portlaoise.
"The site is currently occupied by two detached bungalow dwellings, with a large area previously used as a playing field and a large unused green space. We are proposing to demolish the existing bungalows as there is no historical significance to these buildings."
They say the development will not add any risk of flooding.
The full plans are on public view with Laois County Council. A decision is due by July 1.