Portlaoise Panthers basketball club are to have a ‘leading role’ in the management of St Mary’s Hall under a new agreement signed recently.
At Monday’s meeting of Laois County Council, it was proposed to lease land and buildings at St Mary’s Sports Hall to Portlaoise Sports Hall Company Limited.
This lease was to last for a period of 4 years and 11 months and will cost the company €100.
The building had previously been under the management of the parish but a deal has now been struck to change this.
This agreement was proposed by Cathaoirleach Thomasina Connell and seconded by Fine Gael’s Barry Walsh.
Cllr Willie Aird said: “I want to wish all of the committee involved in this well going forward.
“I understand that Portlaoise Panthers will be heavily involved which is a very good step.”
Cathaoirleach Connell added: “I want to thank Monsignor Byrne for his role in all of this.
“It is a move that gives certainty for Portlaoise Panthers now which is brilliant.”
Separately, it was agreed to lease of 0.3641 hectares of land including house at Ballymorris Road, Portarlington to Laois Traveller Action Group.
This lease was to last for a period of 4 years and 11 months and will cost the company €100.
This was proposed by Councillor Aidan Mullins and seconded by Councillor Ben Brennan.
