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Portlaoise PP Msgr Byrne, through Kilgallen and Partners Consulting Engineers, has applied for planning permission to convert the former coach house building at Rosetta House, Dublin Road North, Portlaoise into two semi-detached, two-storey dwellings. The proposed dwellings will have floor areas of 75m2 and 96m2.
The coach house is a listed protected structure, described as a detached, multiple-bay, lofted stone former coach house built circa 1850, now in use as outbuildings.
Rosetta House was constructed in the 1850s, standing on a one acre site. The Victorian property was first the home to the Dimond family, who were pharmacists in the locality. It was subsequently acquired by Dr Duane, who lived and ran his surgery here for many years. The five bedroom, five bathroom building was sold for €925,000 in November of 2025.
“The Coach House formerly belonged to the adjoining Rosetta House but has recently been acquired by Portlaoise Parish,” the planning application read.
The application proposes that the existing roof and facade be retained, and that the two houses utilise the existing door and window openings ‘to minimise opening-up works’.
“Two new windows are required in the gable walls to provide fire escape from bedrooms in accordance with Part B of the Building Regulations. It is also proposed to fit a number of conservation type “velux” rooflights to bring natural light into the building,” the application said.
Some repairs will be needed to address significant cracking on the west gable of the building, with some delicate deconstruction / rebuilding required.
“A conservation architect will be appointed to oversee and supervise all of the design and construction works,” the application detailed.
It is estimated that maximum occupancy of the homes will be three persons. Four car parking spaces have been provided via a right-of-way through the adjoining Rosetta House.
A pedestrian access route from the parish centre and church directly to the houses is also proposed.
“Due to the location of the building on a confined part of the site, it is not possible to provide rear gardens, however private space of 25 Sq.m has been provided to the front of each house,” the planning application proposed.
“With the nature of the occupancy (Clergy) maintenance of a large garden space is impractical, and for this reason we would seek a dispensation in providing minimum private space to the rear of the houses.”
The application is currently in pre-validation stages and was received by the Council on July 8. A decision is expected to be made on September 1, 2026.