€7.5 million secured for development of museum at historic Laois site

Funding has been awarded to develop the Fort Museum and Event Centre in Portlaoise

Published 14th Sep 2026, 12:30 BST Updated 15th Sep 2026, 16:26 BST The Old Granary building inside the Fort Protector Portlaoise. Funding has been awarded to develop the Fort Museum and Event Centre in Portlaoise Portlaoise has been granted €7.5 million in funding to redevelop the historic Fort Protector site in the centre of the town.

The landmark project which is estimated to cost around €11.5 million is part of the ongoing development of the Old Fort Quarter area of Portlaoise which has seen significant investment in recent years.

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The plans for the Fort Protector site include the refurbishment of the Granary. Laois County Council purchased the old barracks site in 2025 and this will also be redeveloped to support and underpin the general restoration of the Fort Protector.

The building will be refurbished for a museum, exhibition and indoor performance space. It will also provide a permanent home for the Portlaoise Plane.

In June, local councillors passed Laois County Council’s Part VIII planning proposal for the redevelopment of the Fort Protector.

An application was submitted by Laois County Council for funding from the Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund in order to help finance the project.

Now, it has been announced that the maximum grant of €7.5 million available with the scheme will be given for the big project in Portlaoise.

The Government announced on Monday, September 14, that the Fort Museum and Event Centre in Portlaoise will receive €7.5 million for a new community, arts and culture space in the town centre.

WATCH: Laois publicans put new Bulk RVM recycling machine to the test in Portlaoise Laois TD Sean Fleming has welcomed the announcement, saying it is a “game changer” for the town.

“The project in Portlaoise can now move onto the construction stage and this €7.5 million will ensure that we will have first class facilities in the town centre in Portlaoise for generations to come,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.

“As some people will know, this was the site of the original barracks when Laois was planted by the British in the 1500s. I want to praise the work of Laois County Council in assembling this large 3.5 acre site in the centre of the town over many years. This foresight will lead to a great new facility for the people in Portlaoise and County Laois.

“Portlaoise is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland and it is important that we have a location for arts, culture and community facilities in the town for the growing population.”

Deputy Fleming added: “This investment will unlock regeneration, support new development and make a difference for the people who live, work and raise their families in Laois.”

Under the Town and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, two towns in Laois were eligible for the grant scheme, Portlaoise and Portarlington .

It was also announced on Monday that Portarlington Town Centre Regeneration will receive €150,000 as part of the scheme. This money will be aimed at supporting regeneration, development and new opportunities in Portarlington.

Deputy Fleming said that this will eventually lead to “important regeneration” in the town of Portarlington.

“I look forward to Laois County Council progressing the design and plans for this project in Portarlington. When this work is completed, I look forward to the project moving on to construction and development works at that stage,” he added.