Planning application received: for a change of use of part of the existing national school to a before school/afterschool and presc

Kilcooley National School, situated in the Ballydavid area of Loughrea, has submitted a planning application to Galway County Council that seeks to alter the use of part of the existing school premises. The Board of Management has proposed that a section of the school be converted into a before‑school and after‑school care facility, as well as a preschool unit. The application, which carries the reference number 2026‑KILCOOL‑001, was formally received by the council on 29 May 2026 and is currently in the pre‑validation stage of the planning process. A decision on the application is expected by 23 July 2026.

The proposal is aimed at expanding the educational services offered by Kilcooley National School, which serves the local community in Ballydavid. By creating dedicated spaces for early childhood and extended care, the Board of Management intends to provide additional support for families in the area, allowing parents to access reliable care before and after school hours. The application details the specific areas of the school that will be repurposed, including the allocation of space for a preschool classroom and associated facilities.

The site address listed in the application is Kilcooley, Ballydavid, Loughrea, with the postcode H62 YY62. The Galway County Council’s planning portal records the application under the reference “KILCOOL‑BALLYDAVID‑Loughrea‑H62‑YY62” and indicates that the proposal is for a change of use of part of the existing national school. The council will assess the application against local planning policies, including considerations of building use, safety, and community impact.

Stakeholders in the Loughrea area will be able to view the application details and submit any comments or objections through the council’s online planning portal. The Board of Management has indicated that the proposed before‑school, after‑school, and preschool facilities would operate in accordance with national education standards and would be subject to the same regulatory oversight as the existing school.

For further details on the application and to view the planning documents, residents and interested parties can consult the Galway County Council planning portal.

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