67-home scheme proposed at Summerhill Portlaoise Co. Laois, Co. Laois

In context

It is one of 57 housing scheme applications Laois County Council has received in the past twelve months, against 1,619 nationally. Of the 3,048 such applications decided by councils in the past three years, 78% were granted.

What happens next

Anyone can make a submission or observation to Laois County Council until 9 November 2026, for a fee of €20. Only those who make a submission can later appeal the decision. The council is due to decide by 30 November 2026, unless it requests further information, which stops the clock.

How to make a submission

The development description, as lodged

Verbatim from the Laois County Council register. This is the source for every figure in the story above.

amend the permitted Neighbourhood Centre building granted under LCC Reg. Ref. 23/60348, as amended under LCC Reg. Ref. 25/60040, at this site at Summerhill, Portlaoise, Co. Laois (now known as ‘Sand Wood’). The site is generally bound to the north by Aghnaharna Drive, to the east by Holy Family School Road, and to the west and south by a residential development currently under construction, granted under LCC Reg. Ref. 23/60350 (also known as ‘Sand Wood’). No amendments are proposed to the permitted 67 No. residential units. The development to be retained consists of: modifications to the northern and southern extent of the permitted building footprint, increasing the floor area by c. 57 sq m; and the provision of rooflights. The proposed development consists of: the change of use of the permitted creche and cycle store to a retail unit; the subdivision and part change of use of the permitted retail unit to a medical centre, retail unit, a refuse store and ESB switchroom; the provision of a mezzanine level (c. 139 sq m) above first floor level within the southern extent of the Neighbourhood Centre building to provide additional office floor space; the provision of 3 No. additional car parking spaces; minor cycle & car parking layout changes; landscaping; boundary treatments; and all other associated site works above and below ground. The development to be retained and proposed development increases the overall floor area of the Neighbourhood Centre building by c. 196 sq m, from 1,426 sq m to c. 1,622 sq m.