The site has been rezoned from strategic reserve to community, education and institutional.
A new nursing home could be in the pipeline for one Laois village.
An area of land on The Rock road in Borris-in-Ossory has been re-zoned from strategic reserve to community, education and institutional.
Councillor James Kelly says the change was a "no brainer" as the country's population continues to age, leading to a demand for care beds.
He says the nearest facility from the village is over 30 kilometres and such a development would lead to a jobs boost too: