Hotly-anticipated launch of financial support scheme in Kildare praised

The planned launch of a financial support scheme has been praised by County Kildare reps associated with the Labour Party (LP).

Kildare South TD Mark Wall, Councillor and Cathaoirleach for the Athy Municipal District Aoife Breslin and Cllr Mark Leigh have today (April 24) welcomed the incoming launch for the first phase of Kildare County Council’s Athy Building Enhancement Financial Support Scheme.

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). 

It aims to "enhance the streetscape environment by encouraging and supporting private residents and property owners to improve their building facades, resulting in a more attractive environment for locals and visitors to enjoy".

The Scheme is due to be officially launched on Tuesday, April 29, in the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy. The event will also have a guest speaker: Simon Wall, who is a Senior Architect with Mayo County Council.

Welcoming the Scheme, Deputy Wall 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.

"This Scheme by Kildare County Council will further enhance these projects and put the beat back into the heart of Athy town by improving our streets and shopfronts.

"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."

From left to right: Deputy Mark Wall (File photograph), Cllr and Cathaoirleach of the Athy Municipal District Aoife Breslin and Cllr Mark Leigh (Photo credit for both belongs to kildarecoco.ie)

He concluded: "I am looking forward to meeting with everyone to discuss how we can move forward in enhancing Athy.”

Cllr Breslin also said: "As the 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 concluded.

Lastly, Cllr Mark Leigh had this to say: "This Scheme 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," he added.

Applications for the Scheme will open on April 30, 2025 and will close on June 25, 2025.

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