Big plan to convert derelict Laois post office into restaurant

A vacant and derelict Post Office in Laois is the subject of a new planning application to turn it into a café and restaurant.

Applicant Annette Dunne has lodged an application to Laois County Council for permission for the big change of the once handsome building, which is on Main Street in Portarlington.

She asks permission for a change of use for the former post office which is a Protected Structure, to a café / restaurant.

The plan further seeks to use the ground floor of a three storey Georgian house beside it, also a protected structure, to give additional floor area of 27 m².

It is also intended to construct a 15 m² rear single storey lean-to extension to the rear of the former post office, to contain an accessible toilet for customers. The property is to be bounded by a new 2.1 m capped stone wall capped, to create a 25 m² rear outdoor space.

The post office building is vacant since the business was absorbed by SuperValu Portarlington. It was sold in 2025 after being advertised with an asking price of €350,000 including the three storey house next door.

The interior of the post office had sat untouched as auctioneer photos showed. 

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The planning application was submitted this week. A decision is due by mid January 2026.