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

On 3 June 2026 Laois County Council received a planning application from the Killenard Community Centre/Old School House in Killenard, Portarlington. The applicant proposes internal layout changes that would see the existing handball alley removed and its space converted into additional first‑floor area. A new stairwell is also planned to improve access between floors.

The proposal includes amendments to the building’s elevations and associated site works, but no decision has yet been made. The application remains under consideration by the council while the community reviews the plans.

This submission follows a series of recent planning decisions in Co Laois, such as the placement of storage containers on the Grand Canal bank at Vicarstown and changes to pre‑school facilities elsewhere. The Killenard project is part of ongoing efforts to adapt historic community buildings for contemporary use while preserving their heritage value.

Residents and stakeholders are invited to review the application details available through the council’s planning portal. Public consultation will be held before a final decision is rendered.

For full details, see Laois County Council planning application reference 2660338 on the localnews.ie website.

Summary written by localnews.ie from the original source coverage. Click through for the full report.