Grattan
House, Grattan Business Centre
Part of the €23 million Stradbrook Development, Grattan Business Centre consists of two cedar clad pavilions which flank either side of the refurbished and extended Old County Hospital, Portlaoise. The old County Infirmary is now called "Grattan House", in honour of its original benefactor, James Grattan.
The prime site comprising of 4.5 acres was purchased by Portlaoise Construction Company Ltd in 2001. Major structural work was carried out on the Old County Hospital to restore the building and transform it to its current function as a modern office complex. Work on the project has been done in compliance with standards laid down by The Georgian Society, An Taisce, Duchas and the County Heritage Officer.
Dating from 1808, The County Infirmary is said to have been the first purpose built hospital erected in Ireland outside Dublin. Around 60 years ago, The County Hospital, now The General Hospital superseded the Infirmary. It was then used to accommodate the Motor Tax office and other services. Nowadays, it provides modern office accommodation for Portlaoise Construction Ltd, Dept. of Education & Family Mediation Services.