Birr 20:20 receives positive update about Birr OEC's future

BIRR 20:20 has received a positive update from the Laois and Offaly Education Training Board (LOETB) about the future of Birr Outdoor Education Centre (OEC).
During the AGM of Birr 20:20, outgoing Chairman Denis Shine said Birr 20:20 was very disappointed when it learned about the proposed “repurposing” of the OEC. He said the proposed changes “didn't make sense.” Denis added that a lot of people in the town were upset to learn the news and expressed their strong opinions on social media. Denis said it was remarkable and heartening to see such a strong response from the general community to the issue. “It was really good to see so many people in the community being galvanised about this.”
The Chairman said Birr 20:20 sent a number of questions to LOETB and received positive replies which has given people some hope for the OEC's future.
The questions and answers from LOETB relayed to them were as follows:
Birr 20:20: Which services are being retained and for how long?
LOETB replied: Services at Birr OEC will remain unchanged. We plan to review in late 2027.
Birr 20:20: What additional services are being installed/considered?
LOETB: No additional services will be installed in Birr OEC.
Birr 20:20: What are the plans for the refurbishment and especially how these relate to the retention of accommodation (specifically the plans for upgraded accommodation)?
LOETB: The external works will go ahead as planned this year. There are no plans or funding for internal works at the moment. The current accommodation will be retained.