Works are finally ready to commence on the major redevelopment of the old courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory.

The development has been in the pipeline for several years, and has long been spearheaded by Borris-in-Ossory Councillor Conor  Bergin.

The courthouse will be transformed into a new digital hub for workers, with the possibility of a café onsite. See here for the courthouse's redesign plans). 

Pictured: The old courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory. Photo: Google Maps

Conservation and renovation works of the substructure and the existing floor will be undertaken. There will be repairs to existing finishes and stairs, a replacement of the roof finish, and preservation remedial works. 

Fianna Fáíl Deputy Sean Fleming TD has announced that these works are now ready to begin, with additional funding awarded to the project.

"The Government has allocated €3,695,705 for this project. This amount has now been approved which is an increase of €300,000, which is due to construction inflation," Deputy Fleming told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"This project has obtained planning permission, gone to tender and approval has been given to the successful contractor to proceed with construction works.

"I am pleased that Minister Dara Calleary has given the go ahead for the construction which is great news for Borris-in-Ossory," Deputy Fleming said.

"This project will transform the Old Courthouse and bring it back into use. The new Enterprise Hub in this building will revitalise Borris-in-Ossory."

The Fianna Fáíl Deputy highlighted that there will be a number of co-working spaces and meeting rooms in the building for local businesses.

"It will also provide community facilities and support the regeneration of the area," he said.

"This funding is part of the Government’s plan to support rural Ireland and local towns and villages," Deputy Fleming finished.

The courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory was built between 1825 and 1830. The building ceased operating as a courthouse in the 1950's, and was used as council storage in the years after. Laois County Council now hold offices on the premises.

The original building was burned down in 1921.

In February of 2024, Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey announced that tender documents were due to be published in April 2025, inviting companies to bid for the contract.

The tenders were officially published in August 2025, following a delay of several months. 

At a January sitting of Laois County Council's Borris-in-Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District, Cllr Conor Bergin called for an appraisal of the town's assets (also known as a 'health check') to be carried out in Borris-in-Ossory in the hopes that the local community would be able to create their own Town Centre First plan and rejuvenate the area.

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Cllr Bergin emphasised that the ongoing project to renovate the derelict courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory could present an excellent opportunity for a Town Team to engage with the community and gather expressions of interest for usage of the courthouse.