Plans for modular homes for elderly people in Laois town

The six-unit development is proposed for just outside Portarlington town

Published 19th Aug 2026, 21:00 BST The site of the proposed modular home development on Bishopswood Road in Droughill, Portarlington. Photo: Google Maps. The six-unit development is proposed for just outside Portarlington town Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

A six-unit housing development for elderly people has been proposed in Portarlington .

Nathan Fitzpatrick submitted a planning application to demolish an existing house on a 0.18 hectare site at Bishopswood Road in Droughill, Portarlington in order to make way for six new modular homes for older people.

The small-scale elder living development is designed to support independent living for older people.

Mr Fitzpatrick is seeking planning permission from Laois County Council to demolish the existing bungalow and sheds on the residential road and to erect six modular dwellings, a communal open space and an ancillary carpark.

A plant building, bin store, site entrance alterations and any other associated works are included in the planning application.

In the planning documents submitted with the application, Ruairí Whelan Consulting Engineers said: “The development has been specifically designed to support independent living and ageing in their own home through the delivery of accessible, energy-efficient homes within a small community setting.”

Portlaoise TY volunteers give time to help the homeless The six units will be modular homes which will be manufactured in a factory prior to their installation on the site.

The application argued that these modular homes have “significant environmental, construction and social benefits and represent a modern and sustainable method of delivering high-quality housing in response to current housing and climate challenges.”

The consulting engineers for the project added: “The proposed development represents an innovative and practical response to housing needs, demographic change and climate obligations.

“It provides a sustainable, accessible and energy-efficient housing model capable of supporting long-term independent living within County Laois.”

Laois County Council is due to make their decision on the application by October 12.