Bagenalstown FRC gets go-ahead for outdoor classroom

BAGENALSTOWN Family Resource Centre has been granted planning permission by Carlow Co Council for an outdoor classroom to be built at Gleann Na Bearú, Moneybeg, Bagenalstown.

Designs for the plot by Natural Landscapers, a company in Newbawn, Co Wexford, include a polytunnel and planting areas, a sensory garden, a grass play area and a modular classroom, among other fun features.

The 110msq plot is sandwiched between the existing resource centre, which also runs the Stepping Stones childcare centre, and Pairc Gleann na Bearu.

The centre sought permission to develop the plot in November 2025 and further information was requested by the council in January 2026. In the further information note, Lynda Stacey, chief executive of the resource centre, said the centre will remain ‘accessible and beneficial to the public’ and the purpose of the outdoor classroom is ‘to support learning, wellbeing and inclusive community participation’.