New-look square in Kildare opened today after transformation

Emily Square in Athy, Co Kildare was officially reopened today by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD in the presence of Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly, following a transformative redevelopment led by Kildare County Council in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.

The project was awarded over €2.7 million in funding through Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the EU Just Transition Fund. This investment has significantly enhanced the visitor experience and will support the sustainable development of Athy as a key tourism destination in Ireland’s Ancient East.

The redevelopment of Emily Square includes the resurfacing and enhancement of footpaths, upgraded street furniture and lighting, and a reconfiguration of traffic flows to improve pedestrian access.

The space will become a central tourism hub for Athy serving as a venue for events, a meeting and resting point for locals and visitors, and a gateway from which to explore the town’s rich heritage and enjoy the River Barrow by foot, bike, or boat.

The project also restores two significant heritage features, the Maurice Duke of Leinster Drinking Fountain and the 1798 Rebellion Memorial, helping to preserve important features of Athy’s cultural identity. In addition, a new town tree and two public art murals have been introduced, along with an illuminated ground installation depicting the Barrow Line running through the centre of the square. These enhancements will enrich the visual appeal of the square, encourage visitors to stay longer, and foster a strong sense of place in the heart of the town.

Emily Square is the first of 17 projects to be completed under Fáilte Ireland’s Investment Grant Aid Scheme for Local Authorities, which opened for applications in August 2023.

Speaking at the reopening, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, said:

“As a proud Kildare South representative, it’s fantastic to see the transformation of Emily Square come to life. This project is a perfect example of how targeted investment in public spaces can revitalise our towns, support local businesses, and create new opportunities for tourism and community engagement. The restoration of heritage features and the addition of public art will ensure Emily Square remains a focal point for Athy for generations to come.

This investment by the Government of Ireland and European Union through Fáilte Ireland’s EU Just Transition Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is supporting sustainable economic development and job creation in communities and businesses across the Midlands.”

Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Carmel Kelly said: 

“The redevelopment of Emily Square under the EU Just Transition Fund is a significant project for County Kildare, and one which will support local businesses, as well as our broader tourism potential.  Funding models, such as this, as well as commitment from the local authority, are vital for the necessary development of our county and our public amenities. We look forward to seeing locals and visitors alike enjoying this revitalised amenity.

Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien TD said:

“I am delighted to announce the opening of the “Emily Square Athy” project, part of Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme under the EU Just Transition Fund. The revitalisation of Emily Square represents a key goal of the Just Transition in Ireland – enhancing local communities and fostering a sense of place, making the Midlands an even more desirable location to live, work and visit.

This project will breathe new life into one of one of Ireland’s historic medieval towns, merging the value of cultural heritage with the needs of the present. The regeneration of Emily Square will provide real benefits for both the people of Athy and its visitors. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this project will bring to Athy and its surrounding communities.”

Orla Carroll, Director of Product Development at Fáilte Ireland, said:

“Emily Square is one of the first major projects to be completed under our Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and clearly demonstrates the transformative impact that initiatives like the EU Just Transition Fund can have on destinations across the Midlands. It’s also a great example of how thoughtful placemaking can revitalise a town centre. The redesign has created a more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant space for both locals and visitors, while strengthening Athy’s position as a key destination within Ireland’s Ancient East.

Investments like this help sustain local communities by creating new opportunities for employment, empowering local businesses, and providing more reasons for domestic and international tourists to visit this part of the country. We look forward to continued collaboration with local tourism businesses and communities, the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA), and our strategic partners as we deliver further projects under the EU Just Transition Fund Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme over the coming year.”

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council said: 

“Kildare County Council and our partners are committed to the regeneration of our county. Projects such as Emily Square, are a clear demonstration of the potential for transformative redevelopment within our communities, and for the broader tourism potential of our county.  We’re proud to be the first project delivered with our partners in the East Midlands Regional Assembly (EMRA) and Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.”

Clare Bannon, A/Director of Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly said: 

"EMRA is delighted to see the opening of Emily Square and applauds the efforts of Kildare County Council and Fáilte Ireland in bringing this project to life with the support of the EU Just Transition Fund Programme. Town squares like Emily Square are not just the heart of the town, they are the heart of the community. As Managing Authority, EMRA is proud to support projects that create vibrant and attractive places. By enhancing quality of life and celebrating local heritage, initiatives like this contribute not only to sustainable tourism but also to broader economic transformation - supporting local enterprise, encouraging investment, and delivering long-term benefits that extend well beyond the tourism sector."

Cathaoirleach of the Athy Municipal District, Cllr Ivan Keatley said: 

“The opening of Emily Square after undergoing such significant transformation is a really exciting and important moment for Athy.  It has revitalised our town centre, creating a place of pride for our communities and will support our local businesses, which are vital."

Located next to the newly redeveloped Shackleton Experience, which is set to open later this year, and within easy reach of the Barrow Blueway, Emily Square now anchors a growing network of tourism assets in Athy. Together, these experiences create a compelling visitor proposition that encourages community engagement and strengthens the town’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Fáilte Ireland’s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme aims to transform tourism across eight counties in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Ireland’s Ancient East by diversifying the local economy and creating new employment opportunities in communities previously reliant on peat production. The scheme supports the transition of the Midlands to a carbon-neutral destination through sustainable tourism projects that deliver long-term benefits for local communities and the environment. Further projects are expected to be completed under this scheme over the coming weeks and months.

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