Call for Athy land to be used for retail

AN EIGHT-ACRE plot right in the middle of Athy has just gone up for sale—and locals are clear on what they want to see there: shops.

The site, located next to the River Barrow, is being marketed by Savills for €2 million.

While it’s currently zoned partly for town centre use and partly as open space, there’s hope that it could all be reclassified to allow for more development.

And for many people in the area, the message is simple: Athy needs more retail options.

Residents say the town has been crying out for more places to shop without having to travel to other towns. With the site being so central and easily accessible, it’s seen as the perfect spot to bring in new businesses that could give the town centre a boost.

One online commenter said: “As the others say, Tesco, Dunnes, Penney's, cinema. Can't keep building housing estates with no places for people to shop, they go elsewhere so Athy loses out.” 

Another said: “From William Street Woodstock Street we need something it's just doom and gloom. Many shops closed up. This end of the town needs to be brought back to life.” 

While some others commenting on the post were happy to leave the area as is: “Should be left as an angling club and other recreational amenities,” they said.

With the site now on the market, all eyes are on what comes next!