The formal contract signing to appoint a builder of 52 homes in the town centre Portlaoise, and a range of public amenities works was held on Friday, March 8 in the offices of Laois County Council.
Following a public procurement process, Bretland Construction (a firm based in the Midlands) have been awarded the contract.
The project has been championed and co-ordinated by Laois County Council.
Speaking at the contract signing Mr John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council said:
“The commencement of work by Bretland on behalf of Sophia on the Convent site is yet another very welcome and necessary step in the ongoing regeneration of Portlaoise Town Centre.
“In addition to providing 52 quality homes to people who may not otherwise have had an opportunity to avail of accommodation, this landmark project also delivers a heritage and public realm dividend reflecting on the often-undocumented origins of our County Town.
“I acknowledge the invaluable support and contribution of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Portlaoise Parish and the Presentation Sisters in leveraging this project through to construction stage.
“All in all, therefore, it’s an exceptionally positive story for the core of Portlaoise and I wish every success to Sophia and their contractors Bretland in progressing the Convent project”.
Welcoming this important development Michael McCarthy Chair of Sophia said:
“This a major project that will have long term transformational impact, it will provide much needed homes and be an important resource to the town of Portlaoise.
“This project was only made possible by the leadership and support of Laois County Council, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.”
Mr McCarthy also praised the vision of the Presentation Sisters and Portlaoise Parish for having the imagination and focus to offer their buildings and lands.
“Their buildings and lands, which served the community for over one hundred years will now be re-purposed to respond to the most pressing need in our current times; namely the need for homes,” he said.
Preparatory works begin immediately, and the homes will be ready for the people by end of next year.
