Athy square redevelopment on the horizon

With Athy on the up and up this year owing to development works in Emily Square, and the expected opening of the Shackleton Experience, among other things, there is a feeling that Edmund Rice Square should be brought along with the rest of the town.

In a recent council meeting, cllr Brian Dooley put forward a motion proposing the development of a comprehensive masterplan for Edmund Rice Square.

The motion called for a redesign of the area’s parking layout, improved traffic flow, and enhanced pedestrian connectivity to Duke Street.

In response, the strategic projects and public realm team noted that their current focus is on completing three major initiatives by 2025: the Barrow Blueway, the Shackleton Experience, and the redevelopment of Emily Square.

It was previously agreed that work on Edmund Rice Square would follow the completion of the Emily Square project.

Given the confirmed 2025 work programme, the council stated that the development of a masterplan for Edmund Rice Square could be considered as part of the 2026 schedule, contingent on available resources.

Cllr Dooley said: “I’d like for it to be hopefully pushed along.”

 He suggested that smaller works could be done to “make the place look aesthetically nicer,” mentioning ideas that would enhance the overall area such as cutting back hedges, getting rid of traffic islands and increasing car parking spaces to make up for the 38 spaces that will be lost on the redevelopment of Emily Square.

“I think it could be done within a budget,” said cllr Dooley.