Landmark Portlaoise pub planning appeal decided

An appeal against a development at a new lounge and outdoor entertainment area at a landmark pub in Laois has been rejected.  

Retention planning permission had been granted to Jack Wallace for Ramsbottoms bar on Main Street, Portlaoise by Laois County Council in May this year subject to a number of conditions. 

The popular pub at 101 Main Street had sought retention planning permission at the protected structure for a “change of use of domestic kitchen to lounge area at rear of existing bar, external covered yard to outdoor entertainment area, previously used bar stores to new bar and emergency exit, and smoking area to the rear of the site.” 

Retention was also sought for the construction of an emergency exit route and covered walkway and all associated site works, all at Ramsbottoms Bar, 101 Main Street, Maryborough, Portlaoise. 

Laois County Council approved the development subject to seven conditions in May. That decision was appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála by Liam Campion and Eddie Dunne along with neighbouring residents Daniel and Bridget Dempsey. 

The Dempseys said the extension encroaches on an historic right of way and the right of way serves lands in their ownership and the ownership of People First Credit Union. They said the plans could impact future development and create issues with access. 

Liam Campion and Eddie Dunne are the joint owners of E&L Property Limited, JFL House, adjoining the applicant’s property.  

They too say the right of way provides access to land belonging to People First Credit Union and the Dempseys. They said they were considering purchasing a parcel of land accessed by the right of way. 

They said the proposal would result in a significant level of disruption, removing access to and from a property fronting to James Fintan Lalor Avenue and they maintain the plans would result in noise pollution. 

In response, Ramsbottoms said no right of way exists and the laneway provided vital access to the bar and functioned as emergency access.  They said the only right of way across the property is to People First Credit Union.

“A sworn affidavit from an employee of a former employee of Ramsbottoms bar; to the effect that no right of way existing during a period of over 40 years ending in 2009/2010,” ACP’s Inspector noted. 

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Having visited the site, assessed the objections, the previous planning and the responses from the applicant, the Inspector recommended the development be approved.  The development was then approved subject to six conditions on September 29.