Laois childcare facility gets approval to expand business
Graiguecullen business expansion will mean childcare for an additional 40 children
A Laois childcare facility has been given the go-ahead to expand its business with new accommodation to cater for more than 40 additional children.
Play Together Childcare Services Ltd. in Graiguecullen has been granted planning permission to install two single storey prefabricated units to be used as classrooms at their pre-existing childcare facility on Church Road.
The planning documents state that the additional accommodation will allow them to accommodate up to an additional 44 children with four additional staff.A similar application was granted permission in January 2025, however a fresh application was lodged due to a change in the plans from a 109.15sqm flat roofed prefabricated building to two separate units.
The business owners outlined that the expansion is needed to create more space and is a "much needed facility for this area".
"If planning were granted the applicants would be in a better position to accommodate the surrounding community."
The application was granted planning permission this week with 13 conditions attached.
One of the conditions insisted that within two months of the childcare facility ceasing business on the site the prefabs must be removed unless agreement is reached with the council.
"Whilst a prefabricated structure may not be the desired long-term solution for the site, I appreciate that the benefits of providing same will outweigh the limited undue visual impact. However, I recommend that a condition be applied that the prefabricated unit be removed from the site when the use of the site as a childcare facility ceases," the council planner stated.