In Pictures: major developments of derelict Laois school

Ballyroan Community Development group are holding a fundraiser to continue the development of the Ballyroan Playground Project.

This project will see the redeveloping of the Old Boys School to include a playground, a MUGA all weather pitch, with car parking facilities and landscaping.

Recently, the community development group made huge progress by clearing debris from the old classrooms, and cleaning up the yard.

To see more pictures of the site, click NEXT or ARROW. 

More on the story below picture.

Scoil Faolain Naofa NS (Boys School), closed its doors in 2017 when pupils and teachers moved to the newly built Scoil Eoin Phol Naofa II. Since then, the building has laid idle becoming derelict and subject to vandalism. 

In September 2022, a community group was formed, with the intention to acquire the site and re-develop it for community use.

In 2023, the parish sold the property to Laois County Council, In April 2024, Ballyroan Community Development CLG was awarded a grant of €500,000 under the town and village renewal scheme.

Planning permission has already been granted for a playground, multi-used games area and car parking.

Ballyroan Community Development CLG recently secured €79,000 CCAF funding for refurb works to the derelict building, and is working to secure additional funding to complete works on the site. 

"This development will create a focal point in Ballyroan village to be used by all," said the group.

"A big clean up on the site was carried out recently in conjunction with other groups including the tidy towns and youth club.

As additional funding is needed to further develop the site, and complete works on the building, a major fundraiser has now been organised."

'Ballyroan Goes to Hollywood' is a fundraiser featuring a series of film projects, where locals star in their own versions of iconic movies.

These films include: 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest', 'Bridesmaids', 'A few Good Men', 'Father Ted', 'The Field', 'The Snapper' and 'Sister Act'.

"The fundraiser is attracting huge support from across the community and beyond," said group PRO Mary O'Dea.

"The idea is, that each film raises its own funds through sponsorship, donations, various fundraising events and so on." 

Those involved in the projects, when not busy fundraising, are practicing their acting skills in the hope of securing an award at the premiere night.

All are invited to book tickets for the grand premiere on November 23 at Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. 

Rehearsals begin in earnest in September, with filming due to take place in early October. You can buy your tickets or donate to the cause Rehearsals begin in earnest in September, with filming due to take place in early October. You can buy your tickets or donate to the cause here.

The entire cost of the development project is in the region of €1 million, with the community aiming to raise around €150,000 through their fundraiser.