Emily Square works kick off in Athy

Work has begun on another major project in Athy – the redevelopment of Emily Square.

The endeavour will deliver a comprehensive upgrade of the square, transforming it into a multifunctional space for the people of Athy.

“It’s an absolutely fantastic, positive story for Athy,” said local councillor Aoife Breslin, the Cathaoirleach of Athy Municipal District. “David Walsh Engineering has started on the square… I know the Walsh’s work over the years, fantastic, excellent craftmanship. I'm looking forward to it this time next year to be able to walk in the square in Athy, Emily Square in Athy revamped, which will open up the town centre to all of us. The [Shackleton] museum will be open, we will have visitors, we will have footfall on it. Athy is on the move.” 

Cllr Breslin said the square will be “a bright place for people to come and sit, people to go in and out of the restaurants, the excellent public houses here and use the bank, or the other shops along the way... it'll be a focal point for the town and it'll be somewhere that we can put on public events and use it for the community.” 

She added: “There's so much positivity in Athy. Good news stories – we have the food hub [at the old Model School]. Lads, Athy is changing and it's changing for the better, and I think the square is the topping on the cake for us here.” 

A few issues have been flagged locally as works begin, such as the availability of accessible parking bays on the square. There are concerns too about the placement of a loading bay just outside and running the length of O'Briens with fears that the Emily Square stalwart will be completely blocked by trucks.

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Kildare Co Council began by explaining that the Part 8 process is a 20-week statutory process which includes a public display period of four weeks at the beginning of the process, followed by a two-week period during which submissions can be submitted.

All submissions received are assessed and a response provided to the specific matters raised. This then forms part of the Chief Executive’s Report and is available to view once a decision on the Part 8 has been determined by the appropriate Municipal District committee or full council.

“The Part 8 approved for Emily Square provided for no disabled parking directly on the Square but are located alongside the Square,” they said. “The loading bay, provided for in the Part 8 design was included following submissions from businesses surrounding the Square during the public consultation process. A requirement for a loading bay to facilitate a rigid truck was specifically required.

“The contractor for the Emily Square project will assign a liaison person to communicate and engage with the businesses in the area. Engagement will take place in advance of the commencement of the main contract works and access for deliveries will be one of the items for discussion.” 

Meanwhile, some history has also been unearthed! Last Thursday (22 August), some evidence was discovered in a trench area in the square which ‘proves the existence of a medieval town’ in Athy. A segment of animal horn was found by archaeologist Marc Guernon as he explored the trench.