Expansion plans approved for Laois childcare facility
Laois County Council has granted permission for the expansion at the Portlaoise property
A childcare facility in Portlaoise has been given the green light to expand by adding an additional first floor level.
Superkids Childcare Centre Limited applied to Laois County Council for permission to expand their facility in Rockview, Portlaoise to accommodate a total of 56 children in December 2025.
It sought to: “Amend the as-built single storey childcare facility (in accordance with Planning Ref No; 16/527) to add an additional first floor level, (area=141m2) to accommodate a maximum of 56 children, with opening hours of 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday.”
The planning application attracted three submissions from residents in Rockview. They expressed a number of concerns including the potential impact the development might have in relation to parking, noise pollution, congestion, overshadowing of properties and privacy.
Laois County Council requested further information in relation to the plans in February this year.
A planning report noted the concerns in relation to the plans but recommended that permission should be granted subject to a number of conditions.
One of the conditions included in the final decision was that “car parking and set-down areas shall be used in accordance with the site layout submitted on the 05/05/2026. A drop-off/collection management system shall be operated to prevent congestion on adjoining roads and no queuing, parking, or set-down activity associated with the crèche shall occur on the public road.”
They also requested that: “The outdoor play area shall be operated on a staggered basis in accordance with the details submitted. No more than 22 children shall use the outdoor play space at any one time. The facility shall operate in accordance with a Childcare Operational Management Plan, including details of group sizes, supervision, and scheduling of outdoor play. A record of outdoor play usage shall be maintained on site and made available to the Planning Authority upon request.”
Laois County Council approved the plans subject to 14 conditions on June 1.