Scheme will “put the beat back into the heart of Athy Town”

KILDARE County Council has launched a new and exciting financial support scheme for buildings in Athy, called the Athy Building Enhancement Financial Support Scheme.

The Scheme was launched on Tuesday, 29 April at the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy with guest speaker Simon Wall, Senior Architect with Mayo County Council.

According to Kildare County Council, the Scheme focuses on vacant and occupied commercial or residential properties along Leinster Street, Emily Square and Duke Street (from the Cromaboo Bridge to the Post Office). The Scheme aims to enhance the streetscape environment by encouraging and supporting private residents and property owners to improve their building fronts, resulting in a more attractive environment for locals and visitors to enjoy. 

Thrilled with the news of this council scheme, Deputy Mark Wall TD said: “Athy has already begun its regeneration efforts through a number of new projects like the revitalisation of Emily Square, the Shackleton Museum and the new culinary school and food incubation centre in the Old Model School. I am delighted to be working with business owners and Kildare County Council on this project and believe it will enhance the many offerings the town of Athy has. I am looking forward to meeting with everyone to discuss how we can move forward in enhancing Athy.” 

Martin Heydon TD was also “delighted” to take part in the scheme, writing on social media: “The meeting set out the next phase of exciting activity which will be transformational for the town, including streetscape enhancement along with the many Government supports for property owners to renovate and enhance their properties. Working together with local businesses, Kildare Co Co and all local public representatives the future is bright for Athy.''

Cathaoirleach Aoife Breslin said:“As Cathaoirleach for Athy I welcome the announcement of the first phase of the Athy Building Enhancement Financial Support Scheme. This Scheme will begin the regeneration of Athy, resulting in a positive impact for all residents of Athy. I am looking forward to seeing the rollout of the Scheme and hope to engage with all in Athy on how we can best utilise the funding to improve our local street environment.” 

She also told the Kildare Nationalist that the scheme will help to “enhance” the visual surroundings of the town, and said: “The idea is to pull everything together. We want Athy to be a nice place to work and visit.”

Cllr Mark Leigh also weighed in on the news, and said: “This Scheme by Kildare County Council is a remarkable initiative for Athy and I encourage all business owners in Athy to meaningfully engage with the Scheme. We need to really utilise the Scheme as best we can to ensure that we maximise the full potential of Athy.” 

Applications for the Scheme will open on April 30 and will close on June 25.