Progress on redevelopment of historic Athy street
Woodstock Street in Athy Image: Google Maps
KILDARE County Council has outlined a plan for the regeneration of Woodstock Street in Athy, with a pedestrian crossing for the street being highlighted as a matter of priority. A detailed mapping of the area is set to be carried out before the end of July.
Cllr Brian Dooley brought forward a motion at the most recent meeting of Athy Municipal District proposing that Kildare County Council ‘under the guidance of the public realm team, creates, designs and develops Woodstock Street, Athy in line with our Local Area Plan’.
Senior executive officer Pamela Pender issued the council’s response, which stated that 'the Strategic Projects and Public Realm (SPPR) work programme is at capacity, with construction projects commencing, projects progressing through Part 8 etc'.
However, the report added that the team is assisting Athy Municipal District in developing a design for Woodstock Street. The design will include a pedestrian crossing location and improvements to parking layouts. The area under review extends from Leinster Street to Shrewleen Lane. Topographical surveys of the area are due to be carried out before the end of July.
The council’s response did not directly address cllr Dooley’s calls for a broad, heritage-led redevelopment of the street.
He outlined in his motion wants the street to be regenerated while protecting its historic character. He said that the street is an important part of Athy’s heritage as part of the old market town, and that any redevelopment should seek to balance the needs of local businesses and residents with preserving the streetscape.
Speaking at the meeting, cllr Dooley’s Fianna Fáil colleague Veralouise Behan expressed support for the motion. She said that the council has not invested enough in pedestrian crossing and accessibility in the area, noting that important facilities, including the K Leisure and St Vincent’s Hospital are in that part of town, and that it is home to a significant elderly population.
Cllr Aoife Breslin also supported the motion, describing how there is “no pedestrian crossing on the widest street in Athy” and saying that the area “needs enhancement”.
Cllr Mark Leigh said KARE Athy service users have had their independence taken away because the road is so dangerous that they can no longer leave the facility on their own.
