The property has been described as a catalyst for development.
It's hoped the take-over of a landmark building in Portarlington can help revitalise the town.
Laois County Council has secured a long term lease for the 300 year old Market House in the town square.
Fine Gael TD for Kildare-South Martin Heydon says it's a big step, describing the property as a catalyst for further development.
The new Minister of State says his party colleague Councillor Tom Mulhall has been working to secure the lease for the last three years.
Minister Heydon says a public consultation will be opened to look at how the site could be used:
Calls Grow For 24 Hour Garda Station In Edenderry After Arson Attack
Appeal Date Set For Jozef Puska Over Murder Of Ashling Murphy
Offaly Town Demands Meeting With Garda Commissioner And Justice Minister
Ireland’s First Kidney Pancreas Transplant Recipient Dies Aged 68
Quality Of Life To Drive Offaly’s Appeal For Foreign Investment - Anna Marie Delaney
Hundreds Of Mourners Gather For Tadgh Farrell's Funeral
Dancing With The Stars ‘A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity’ - Rose Of Tralee
Uisce Éireann To Submit €6b Water Project Plan
Pedestrian Killed In Midlands Crash
Gardai Arrest Four Men Over Laois Prison Assault
Maura Higgins Set For Traitors US
Man Taken To Hospital Following Alleged Westmeath Assault
Osteoarthritis Programme Launched At Midlands Hospital
Laois County Fire And Rescue Service Welcomes Two New Fire Appliances
Offaly TD Welcomes New IDA Ireland Investment
Gardai Conduct House Searches In Connection With Offaly Arson Attack
Funeral For Offaly Arson Attack Victim To Be Held Today
Emergency Services At Scene Of Offaly Crash
Tadgh Farrell’s Father Denied Compassionate Bail To Attend Son’s Funeral