Pantry closure sparks concern over vacant Portlaoise premises

THE sudden closure of The Pantry café in Portlaoise has sparked renewed concern over the growing number of vacant properties in the town centre.

The award-winning café and restaurant on Market Square/Main Street closed its doors on 6 September after nearly 12 years in business, due to the sudden serious illness of owner Mark Healy.

A familiar and friendly figure behind the counter, Mark owned the restaurant with his wife Ladonna McCartan, who runs the Nook and Cranny gift store nearby.

The closure prompted dismay this week at the September meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District Council, when councillors sent good wishes to the couple but also raised concerns over increasing dereliction and a rise in the number of vacant properties in the town.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley noted that The Pantry was the second large outlet off Main Street to shut down within weeks, following the closure of the social welfare office on Church Street in August in favour of a smaller building nearby on Railway Street.

Commenting that Laois Co Council spent “a fortune” on Main Street, Cllr Dwane Stanley said: “The Pantry was a fantastic café and restaurant that was doing brilliantly. It was originally Gray’s restaurant and my mother worked in it for years. It will be a huge loss to Main Street and to those who are losing their jobs. The owners have good reason for moving on and I hope somebody else will go into it.” 

She added: “I just hope we are not going backwards, because we put in so much investment to bring the status of Main Street up. We spent a fortune on the library, but now we have two large empty buildings. It would be dreadful to see those two massive buildings stay empty.” 

Her comments were echoed by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, who said that Ladonna and Mark played a huge part in the Portlaoise business community and everyone was “really sad” at the closure of The Pantry, which was a great attraction in the town. 

She said: “I want to thank them for all they have done for Portlaoise. It is a huge loss and hopefully something will happen.” 

Cllr Marie Tuohy described The Pantry as “iconic”, adding: “It was so well run and Ladonna and Mark gave so much to the community. Their staff loved them. I know there are many reasons involved but I do think there is also the huge cost of running a hospitality business and many are just clinging on. I wish Ladonna and Mark and their staff all the best going forward and thank them for all they have done.” 

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Joe Fennelly said: “That goes for every one of us here.”