Laois Partnership Company to open new childcare service at Bloom HQ
Early Years Manager Required
A new childcare facility for County Laois is set to open its doors at the start of 2026, thanks to a successful funding application by Laois Partnership Company to transform a section of Bloom HQ in Mountrath.
The local development company has been awarded €329,000 under the Building Blocks Extension Grant, Community Construction strand, to develop the new childcare facility at the business hub on Patrick Street in Mountrath, which is the site of the former Brigidine Convent. This will significantly bolster the childcare services provided by Laois Partnership Company, which already oversees O’Moore Place Preschool and Afterschool and Birchgrove Afterschool, both located in Portlaoise.
The funding, from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, will be used for the capital renovations of a disused section of Bloom HQ, with Laois Partnership Company responsible for the running the facility. It is planned to begin with a toddler room that offers full day care and to develop further services to meet demand. Besides a separate entrance, there will also be a secure play area, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for children aged one year and up.
CEO of Laois Partnership Company, Caroline Lydon explained that this project will allow parents and guardians who use the remote working space provided by Bloom HQ to also avail of childcare, meaning they have peace of mind that their children are being well looked after just a short distance away.
Tenders for the renovation works will be going out in the coming weeks, with the facility expected to open early in the new year.
As part of the process, Laois Partnership Company is looking to recruit an Early Years Manager to help develop the new community childcare service. The Manager will be expected to work collaboratively with colleagues in the existing childcare services in Portlaoise, as well as support the recruitment of staff for the new service.
Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 28th October 2025, so for more information on this position or for more on the childcare services provided by Laois Partnership Company, visit www.laoispartnership.ie.
