Dereliction, Decay and Conservation - Saving Portarlington's Historic Buildings

Guest speakers will talk about the recent restoration of the Victorian buildings at Portarlington Railway Station and the ongoing work of conservation and restoration of the Market House or Tholsel in Portarlington. They will also talk of the challenges in trying to save some of the town's historic houses which are now derelict and in danger of demolition. Arlington House will be used as a case study to illustrate what measures are required to save similar historic buildings.

In 2020 the former refreshment rooms and waiting area at Portarlington Railway Station, built in the 1840's, were derelict and in a dangerous condition. In 2021 Irish Rail commenced a major restoration of the building using traditional materials but adapting the building for future use as an office for Irish Rail staff. The work has just been completed and the project manager, Mr. Liam Murphy, will give a presentation on the work undertaken and describe how the finished building will be utilized by Irish Rail.
The former Market House or Tholsel in Portarlington dates back to the foundation of the town in the 1670's and in addition to being used as a market house was the home of the town corporation. Until recently it was being used as a motor repair business and motor fuel filling station. In 2021 Laois County Council took out a long lease on the building and commenced a major restoration of the building using traditional methods and materials. Work is due to be completed later this year and the conservation architects will present a report on the work undertaken and the challenges faced during the restoration process.
Arlington House is a building of national architectural and historic importance and dates back to the foundation of Portarlington. Over the past 40 years it has gone from being a house in pristine condition to the derelict ruin it now is. A former resident will explain just what happened and how the same fate still faces local houses.