Historically there are four phases of development of the Market House, the original rectangular plan with a small central capola on the ridge, the 1890’s re-construction in a rural Italian style with new tower on the East elevation and the addition of mullion and transom windows, the Fire Station Free State Art Deco transformation to use as a fire station with library on the first floor and the present Laois County Council commission to a branch library. It was the Architect’s ambition to re-pave the square (really it is a crescent), and this was achieved by re-planning the car parking and planting Italian Cypress (Cupressus Sempervirens Sastiata) to compliment the 1890’s building.

During the course of the 2008 works the suspended timber vault was uncovered and exposed to view, the barn form which compliments what was manifest externally. The design of the library as a great room surrounded by books on three floors and a central reading room in the middle of the square of the town. The design of each floor incorporates particular features of the library. The ground floor has entrance from South, librarian’s desk, Art Gallery, fireplace and catalogue. The first floor has adult lending, IT, reproduction, reference desk and librarians office. The second floor is the children’s library with story telling theatre, children’s desk and craft area.

Civic Trust Award 2010

RIAI Irish Architecture Awards 2009, Library Abbeyleix awarded Best Conservation/Restoration Project

OPUS Architecture and Construction Heritage Award (Conservation & Restoration) 2009