Laois development association seek planning to change museum to childcare unit

A planning application is about to be lodged with Laois County Council to change the use of a heritage centre into a childcare facility.

The application will be lodged by Mountmellick Development Association, in Irishtown, Mountmellick.

It is understood that the application is one for retention to regularise planning.

The building, formerly housing Mountmellick Museum, was already converted to extend the Sonas community childcare centre some years ago.

The change was carried out following the 2017 flood which forced an emergency evacuation of children from the Sonas centre.

The craft museum was relocated to another section of the MDA building, a renovated mill that once owned by Odlums.

Notice of the application is in the current issue of the Leinster Express newspaper.

"Mountmellick Development Association intend to apply for planning permission for change of use of the Heritage centre building to a childcare facility at Irishtown, Mountmellick."

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The MDA is a non-profit organisation founded and supported by the local community, with a business hub, a museum, professional business kitchens, the childcare centre, Hare's Corner restaurant, and community meeting rooms.