A TOWN centre pub that had its licence suspended in March has reopened under new management.

Owner Sinead Dooley opened the doors of the newly refurbished Porters Ale House on Buttermarket Street on May 3, after the previous licence holder stepped down.

The mum-of-three, who previously owned the public house for 13 years before leaving in 2016, has hired a team of four, including new manager Kyle Bonnon, to help the pub succeed.

"It's great to be back and seeing old, familiar faces that I have known for so long," said Sinead, originally from Dublin.

"We have completely refurbished the pub and have had some really positive feedback so far.

"People have been saying 'welcome back' and how happy they are to have the pub up and running again – it is better than ever."

It comes after the pub's licence was temporarily revoked in March after police executed a drugs warrant on the property.

At a summary review at the Town Hall, Porters Ale House was able to keep its licence but 'tougher conditions' were ordered to come into force from May 1.

New licence holder Sinead said: "We have been working closely with police and in the community to make sure it is safe and fair for all.

"If someone is barred, they won't be allowed back in and that rule will apply to everyone.

"We have door staff who work on Friday and Saturday nights and we have introduced a challenge 25 policy."

As part of these conditions, the public house will also no longer be able to carry out any licensable activity, including the sale of alcohol, after 1.30am.

Sinead, who was previously the chairman of the town centre Pubwatch scheme, said they will also be rejoining in a bid to avoid troublesome behaviour and protect customers.

On the pub's success so far Sinead said: "So far so good. The next thing we would like to do now is win some awards."