Abbeyleix is a town rich in history and cultural sitting above the River Nore in the southern edge of county Laois, Ireland.
It’s name derived from the Irish word Mainistir Laoise “the monastery of Laois” a nod to its religious affiliation to a Cistercian abbey believed to been positioned on the banks of the River Nore in the early 12th century. Although the town arose from this location the impact of flooding forced the landlord of the area the De Vesci family to plan and build an entirely new town north of the river. It’s principal design was a wide, linear, tree lined street on a central crossroad with a series of planned house over shop fronts, this design made it the first planned estate town in Ireland. The complete shift in the design of the town allowed for the successful expansion of industry and economic trading within the confines of the town which in return allowed it to become a self-sufficient entity. |
Industrial PastThe industrial success of Abbeyleix during the 19th and 20th century can been seen in one site in particular on the southern edge of the town bordering the De Vesci demesne and Abbeyleix Bog. This site alone has had the introduction of the Portlaoise/Kilkenny train line in the 19th century that serviced the town until 1963 and then a Dutch company Stonearch Branch of Randstone Ltd. that produced vitamin k from 1972 to its closure in 2001. The industrial past of these two industry's have etched out the suburban condition of Abbeyleix today.
This is were my research enters into the discussion: How can these industrial sites help to repair the urban/rural condition of towns? |