Bid for Athy enterprise zone funding unsuccessful

THE PROSPECT of land acquisition for enterprise purposes was raised during the most recent Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting. 

Cllr Brian Dooley proposed that the council identify and purchase lands in the Athy Municipal District to support local businesses and industries in its expansion, while also assisting the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), and attracting new industries with the IDA.

“It’s important for us to look for lands around Athy, to make landowners know that the council and the LDA (Land Development Agency) are looking for lands to help businesses expand,” he said.

The council acknowledged the growing demand for lands zoned for industry and warehousing in Athy and across the county. Efforts are underway to unlock appropriately zoned lands, although a recent application to the Just Transition Fund for the development of the Green Enterprise Zone in the town was unsuccessful. Despite this setback, the council wants to explore all options for acquiring suitable lands.