Back to the future in Laois town thanks to childcare boost

A building which was once a centre of education in Laois is set to become a home for early childhood learning following confirmation that a new childcare facility is set to be developed in Mountrath.

All going to plan the mid-Laois town will see the new facility open its doors at the start of 2026, thanks to a successful funding application by Laois Partnership Company to transform a section of Bloom HQ in Mountrath.

The local development company has been awarded €329,000 under the Building Blocks Extension Grant, Community Construction strand, to develop the new childcare facility at the community and business hub on Patrick Street in Mountrath, which is the site of the former Brigidine Convent.

Laois Partnership says this will significantly bolster the childcare services provided by Laois Partnership Company, which already oversees O’Moore Place Preschool and Afterschool and Birchgrove Afterschool, both located in Portlaoise.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality funding will be used for the renovations of a disused section of Bloom HQ. Once the conversion work on the property is complete Laois Partnership Company will be responsible for the running costs of the facility.

It is planned to begin with a toddler room that offers a sessional Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, as well as full-day care. Besides a separate entrance, there will also be a secure play area, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for children aged one year and up.

CEO of Laois Partnership Company, Caroline Lydon explained that this project will allow parents and guardians who use the remote working space provided by Bloom HQ to also avail of childcare, meaning they have peace of mind that their children are being well looked after just a short distance away.

Tenders for the renovation works will be issued in the coming weeks, with the facility expected to open early in the new year.

A substantial upgrade to an office space and conference rooms was completed in 2020 costing more than €600k. The project involved works on the structure as well as an extension of the building footprint, full internal fit-out and landscaping upgrade works. While the work was extensive, large parts of the building, which dates back to 1880s were left untouched.

The use of the school ended in 2010 when Brigidine Convent School amalgamated with Ballyfin College and Mountrath Vocational School to form Mountrath Community School.

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As part of the process, Laois Partnership Company is looking to recruit an Early Years Manager to help develop the new community childcare service. The Manager will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in the existing childcare services in Portlaoise, as well as support the recruitment of staff for the new service.

For more information on this position or for more on the childcare services provided by Laois Partnership Company, visit
www.laoispartnership.ie