Athy gets a Town Tree!

THE LONG-AWAITED regeneration of Emily Square in Athy is advancing nicely with the addition of what is being dubbed the ‘Town Tree’.

The specimen tree, supplied by SAP Landscaping through David Walshe Civil Engineering, is a semi-mature London Plane tree, which is expected to grow into a large broadleaf tree.

The tree, already massive in its growing state, could possibly grow up to 35 metres in height by its full maturity.

To put it into perspective, that’s about 70 per cent as tall as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which stands at 50 metres.

A semi-mature tree was chosen as most appropriate by the council as it will have an immediate impact and is less likely to be damaged due to its already large trunk.

Some residents wondered why the council removed several existing trees before the arrival of the new Town Tree, but it seems that the council have planned it this way to optimise design and visual balance in Emily Square.

Kildare County Council said: 'It provides a focal point at the north end of the site and will have seating surrounding it, providing balance to the square with the Shackleton Building at the southern end. 

'There will be a limestone feature paving artwork depicting the Barrow running centrally along the square leading from the tree back towards the Shackleton building.'

While there are no plans for further trees in the square, the council have planned for the addition of seating 'at various locations throughout the square' which will be movable to allow 'flexibility of use' in the space.

The arrival of the Town Tree is an exciting initial step in the recreation of Emily’s Square, and could even end up as the next Athy Town meet up spot, similar to The Spire in Dublin's City Centre, or formerly, Cleary’s Clock.