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20 Jan 2026
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20 Jan 2026
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Sonas community childcare centre in Mountmellick. Photo: Leinster Express
Laois County Council has granted planning permission to a functioning childcare facility in Mountmellick for changes which were made in 2017.
Mountmellick Development Association submitted the planning application in June of last year to gain formal permission to change the use of the former Mountmellick Museum to accommodate the extension of Sonas Community Childcare Centre in Irishtown.
The Mountmellick Development Association is a non profit, voluntary and community-led organisation which supports local developments.
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The building was already converted to extend the Sonas Community Childcare Centre in 2017 following a major flood which forced the evacuation of children from the centre.
Sonas Community Childcare Centre serves up to 170 children and 136 families.
The centre was forced to close unexpectedly on Thursday, 8 January due to a nationwide administrative issue over registration with Tusla. The centre reopened on Monday, 12 January (see here for more).
Laois County Council granted permission to the facility on the basis of nine conditions.
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