Lynda Kiernan
24 Mar 2023 8:52 PM
Email:
lynda.kiernan@leinsterexpress.ie
The Irish Defence Forces representative body is planning to open a new base in Laois.
The Permanent Defence Forces Other Ranks Representative Association (PDFORRA) is seeking planning permission from Laois County Council to convert a large Portlaoise town centre house, currently on the market, into an office.
The group which is headquartered in Dublin, states that it has been looking for offices for a number of months and the location of No.1 Wesley Terrace on Railway Street in Portlaoise is "ideal for their wants and needs".
The application is for a change of use from dwelling house to offices and all associated site works.
The large three storey four bedroom, four bathroom Georgian style modern home is on the market for €395,000. Read the full property description and see photos in our property story below.
"The location, adjacent to the train station from Dublin, Limerick and Cork and other areas and near to bus stop on the link road. We have allowed that the entire dwelling house will become office space.
"The basement level floor will become a kitchen/canteen with data room to the front. The entrance level ground floor will be a reception/office are and the first floor will become open plan offices. The total area of the office building is 231msq.
"Associated on-site parking is limited to one space off-street parking is available and there is a multi-storey car park within the vicinity and a new railway street carpark currently under construction. We do not envisage any additional parking for the building as two of staff live within walking distance and a third will travel via train.
"We have provision on site for bicycle parking. The rooms to be used as offices have an area of: First floor – 50msq (2 x 25msq) Ground floor – meeting room 26msq, reception 26msq.
"We estimate the parking requirement at 5 spaces, we can provide 1 car-space leaving a shortfall of 4 spaces. Full time staff on site will be 3 persons and there will occasionally be 2 additional persons. Office hours will be Monday to Friday 9-5pm.
We don’t envisage visitors in large numbers to the site and visiting will be by appointment only."
A decision is due on the application by May 10.
PDFORRA is the representative body for enlisted personnel serving in the Defence Forces of Ireland. It represents and pursues the interests of enlisted personnel serving full-time in the Irish Army, Naval Service and Air Corps.