The sale of the old Parochial House and adjoining grounds in Portlaoise has been confirmed.
The property and land – located in the centre of Portlaoise – had been on the market for the past five years. The sale price hasn’t been disclosed nor the identity of the buyer.
Confirmation of the sale is published in this week’s edition of the Portlaoise Parish Link Up, with Monsignor Byrne saying “that the details of the sale are subject to a confidentiality agreement with the purchaser” and “we will be able to give details in due course”.
“This completes the sale of the eight acres occupied by the schools, Presentation Convent and the parochial houses,” adds a separate piece in the Link Up.
“It is the end of another era in the history of Portleix House,” it adds of the landmark building that was used as a residence for the parish priest and curates up to the late 1980s. The house, which was built in the early 1800s, is understood to be a listed building.
In more recent times it had office space and was the home of the parish centre prior to the development of the new facility beside the church.
“We wish the purchaser – who has also purchased the remainder of the site including the two houses and also the neighbouring property from the Presentation Sisters – the very best in developing these properties,” adds the piece.
“We are confident that the new development of this very strategic site will enhance the town of Portlaoise.”
The parish will continue to have use of the other house on the site for the time being while it’s also believed that the Portlaoise Panthers Basketball Club will continue to use the outdoor courts as they have been in recent months.
The convent site, which is the other side of the Triogue River that splits the land, is to be developed by Sophia Housing, after the land was donated free of charge to Laois County Council by the Presentation Sisters. There are plans for 52 housing units on that site.
Parishioners are also informed in the Link Up that the parish sold a a site a Knockmay, adjoining Scoil Bhride in 2020 for €395,000. A nursing home and housing for the elderly are currently under construction there.
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