Optimism for future of industry in this Kildare town

A clear consensus of optimism was shared by councillors in relation to the future of industry in one County Kildare town.

The optimistic opinions, which were heard at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting on Monday, May 19 last, were prompted following a motion submitted by Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian Dooley.

He motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to review the Athy Local Area Plan, in order "to investigate if changes are required to support increasing zoned lands for industry, warehousing and retail space, taking into consideration the increasing population".

Cllr Dooley’s motion received support from his party colleague, Cllr Veralouise Behan.

KCC responded to Cllr Dooley’s motion with a lengthy report.

UNDEVELOPED LANDS

KCC said that there is currently 38.13 hectares of undeveloped lands zoned for industry and warehousing in the Athy Local Area Plan (LAP) 2021-2027.

"These lands have the capacity to deliver between 133,000square metres and 190,000sqm of new development," KCC elaborated. "These sites are at five different locations across the town to provide choice and variety.

"Furthermore, there are a number of sites identified within the town centre which have the capacity to deliver additional retail development at locations that would support the towns retail offer, rather than out of centre locations which have the potential to undermine the viability of the retail function of the town centre."

KCC also said: "Section 6.3.2 of the LAP for Athy outlines that it was projected that Athy would require 54.9ha of undeveloped land to be zoned for employment purposes for the duration of the LAP (KCC specified that this figure solely relates to lands zoned for employment, such as industrial, warehousing and commercial, and does not consider potential job creation on other lands zoned for town centre, retail or leisure and amenity uses)."

In addition, KCC told the councillors in attendance: "Table 6.3: Development of Employment Lands zoned under the Athy Local Area Plan 2021 – 2027 (which can be found online) outlines the locations of these areas and the associated opportunities and sectoral strengths.

"Having regard to the foregoing, no further changes are required," KCC concluded.

Cllr Dooley thanked KCC for its report and its overall support of the Athy area.

He also told KCC: "I get a lot of phone calls from people looking for zoned lands in or around the Athy area.

"I just wanted to highlight that there is sufficient land in the Athy area to support industry."

Cllr Dooley further claimed that there has been "success and growth for a lot of indigenous businesses".

'IT’S WONDERFUL'

"I look forward to sitting down with some of the businesses and looking at the zoned lands [with them]," he added.

Cllr Behan also offered her thoughts on the subject: "It’s wonderful to see things moving forward."

Cllr Dooley once more expressed his optimism by telling those in attendance: "I think what we are doing is really benefitting the town."

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