Emily Square reopens in Athy after €2.7m refurb

AFTER a seven-year process, Emily Square in Athy was officially reopened last Friday, 12 September, by minister for agriculture, food and the marine Martin Heydon. The refurbishment project cost €2.7 million.

Plans for its €2.7m regeneration began in July 2018 and followed a transformative redevelopment led by Kildare County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. This investment has significantly enhanced the visitor experience and will support the sustainable development of Athy as a tourism destination.

The redevelopment of Emily Square includes the resurfacing and enhancement of footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, and a reconfiguration of traffic flows to improve pedestrian access. The space will become a central tourism hub for Athy, serving as a venue for events, a meeting and resting point for locals and visitors, and a gateway from which to explore the town’s rich heritage and enjoy the River Barrow by foot, bike or boat.

Located next to the newly-redeveloped Shackleton Experience, which is set to open next month, and within easy reach of the Barrow Blueway, Emily Square now anchors a growing network of tourism assets in Athy. Together, these experiences create a compelling visitor proposition that encourages community engagement and should strengthen the town’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

The project also restores two significant heritage features, the Maurice Duke of Leinster Drinking Fountain and the 1798 Rebellion Memorial, helping to preserve important features of Athy’s cultural identity. In addition, a new town tree and two public art murals have been introduced, along with an illuminated ground installation depicting the Barrow Line running through the centre of the square.

These enhancements will enrich the visual appeal of the square, encourage visitors to stay longer, and foster a strong sense of place in the heart of the town.

Speaking at the reopening, minister Martin Heydon said: “As a proud Kildare South representative, it’s fantastic to see the transformation of Emily Square come to life.

“This project is a perfect example of how targeted investment in public spaces can revitalise our towns, support local businesses and create new opportunities for tourism and community engagement. The restoration of heritage features and the addition of public art will ensure Emily Square remains a focal point for Athy for generations to come.

“This investment is supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands.” 

County council cathaoirleach Carmel Kelly added: “The redevelopment of Emily Square under the EU Just Transition Fund is a significant project for Co Kildare, and one which will support local businesses, as well as our broader tourism potential. Funding models, such as this, as well as commitment from the local authority, are vital for the necessary development of our county and our public amenities. We look forward to seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying this revitalised amenity.” 

Emily Square is the first of 17 projects to be completed under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant Aid Scheme for Local Authorities, which opened for applications in August 2023.

Fáilte Ireland’s regenerative tourism scheme aims to transform tourism across eight counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the local economy and creating new employment opportunities in communities previously reliant on peat production. The scheme supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination through sustainable tourism projects that deliver long-term benefits for local communities and the environment.

Further projects are expected to be completed under this scheme over the coming weeks and months.