Laois schoolchildren and teachers moving into nearby village hall for big building job

A Laois primary school is temporarily moving home to the next village, as work starts to install the first modular rapid build school building in the county.

Gaelscoil Shlí Dála in Ballaghmore with some 50 pupils and their teachers, are decamping to lessons in the Borris-in-Ossory Innovation Centre, until the end of the school year this June.

They have been given a warm welcome. 

“Borris Innovation Centre is delighted to support our neighbours in Ballaghmore and we are very happy to be in a position to accommodate the school for this short period of time,” the centre states.

An image of the new building for Gaelscoil Shlí Dála.

The gaelscoil was founded less than 20 years ago, and largely relies on five prefabs, described by local Cllr Conor Bergin as "wholly unsuitable for their needs, and the health and safety of the children". 

Three prefabs will be demolished and two refurbished. They are also getting a new prefab building with four classrooms, activity hall, staff office, canteen and toilets, outdoor play areas and sensory playground. The sewage system will be upgraded, there will be a water tank for fire prevention, additional parking and footpaths.

It is to be installed in time for the next school year this September.

It was first hoped to be in place in September 2023. Planning permission was granted by Laois County Council in March 2023.

Gaelscoil Shlí Dála principal is Teresa Kennedy.

The project will be paid by the Department of Education.

Minister of State Sean Fleming had also supported the application, noting that it is one of only a few gaelscoileanna in Laois, and as a rural school deserved support.