Planning application received: alter internal layouts by way of removal of handball alley, additional first floor area to the same, new stairwell, inte

Killenard, Portarlington – A planning application has been lodged with Laois County Council for the Killenard Community Centre/Old School House in Killenard, Portarlington. The applicant proposes a series of internal alterations to the former school building, including removal of an existing handball alley and creation of additional first‑floor space. A new stairwell is also planned, together with other internal layout changes and amendments to the building’s elevations. All associated site works are included in the application.

The application was received on 29 May 2026 under reference number 2660324. No decision has yet been made by the council, so the proposal remains pending approval. The council’s planning portal lists a range of recent decisions across Co. Laois – from storage containers on the Grand Canal to conversions of pre‑school facilities into dwelling houses – but no similar community centre projects have been approved in the area.

The Killenard building has served as an educational facility since the late 19th century and now functions as a community hub for local residents. The proposed changes aim to modernise the interior while preserving the historic character of the structure, although details on how the alterations will be carried out remain to be confirmed by the council.

See the Laois County Council planning portal for details (reference 2660324).

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