Planning moves forward for Laois museum in military fort
Laois County Council has proceeded with plans for the Granary building and Old Barracks site in Portlaoise
Laois County Council has moved forward with its plans to redevelop the Fort Protector in Portlaoise which includes the refurbishment of the Granary building and the Old Barracks site.
Laois County Council has given notice of its intention to carry out the proposed development in the Old Fort Quarter area of Portlaoise which has seen significant investment in recent years as part of the ongoing development of a cultural quarter in the town.
As part of the efforts to enhance the area, major works have been completed to revamp Portlaoise Library, the old convent site, Scoil Mhuire, St Peter's Graveyard, Fitzmaurice Place, as well as the development of the Fort Protector Outdoor Performance and Event Space.
Plans for the Fort Protector site have been revealed as the council has progressed with a Part VIII planning application for permission for the proposed development.
As part of the plans, Laois County Council intends to refurbish the Granary building to create a museum, exhibition, an indoor performance space and permanent home for the Portlaoise Plane. The building will be accessed from Tower Hill.
The Portlaoise Plane was the first airplane built in Ireland. It was constructed over a century ago by the Aldritt brothers and Johnny Conroy in Portlaoise. It has been planned for the historic plane to be placed on permanent display in the Granary for a number of years.
The council has also detailed plans for the redevelopment of the Old Barracks site as a flexi-use arts, culture and community space. Laois County Council acquired the Old Barracks over a year ago
Also included is the provision of facilities and services to support the adjoining outdoor performance and event space as well as the Laois Music Centre. An element of this will be the provision of toilet facilities.
Laois County Council have said the proposal compliments and expands Round 1 and Round 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Funding which is targeted towards the development of the Portlaoise Cultural Quarter "to support a vibrant town centre and expand visitor attraction, cultural offering and presentation of heritage in the northern part of Portlaoise town centre."
An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report for the proposed development has been completed and is available for inspection.
Plans, particulars and indicative images of the proposed development can be viewed on Laois County Council's online consultation portal, https://consult.laois.ie/, from May 7, 2026 to June 3, 2026. They are also available for inspection at the offices of Laois County Council in Portlaoise.
Submissions or observations about the proposed development regarding the proper planning and the sustainable development of the area can be made online by 5pm on June 17,2026.
Observations can also be made in writing to Simon Walton, Director of Services, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise, County Laois. Submissions should be clearly marked as 'Fort Protector - Part VIII.'