Machines move in next week to begin work on Athy Southern Distributor Route

Kildare County Council will be proceeding with the next phase of the Athy Southern Distributor Route on January 23 when Advance Works begin.

Fine Gael TD for Kildare South and Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Martin Heydon has welcomed the news.

Mr Heydon said: “This is another significant step towards the new Road and the next phase will involve general site clearance, installation of a new precast box culvert, installation or temporary and permanent boundary walls and fencing and landscaping and planting.

“The works are due to take place over an estimated period of six months.

The contractor appointed to the project is Clonmel Enterprises Ltd which is based in the M7 Business Park in Naas.

The contracting and civil engineering construction works with local authorities and semi-state bodies including, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Irish Water, Irish Rail, Coillte, OPW, Dublin Port and ESB.

Mr Heydon added: “The need for a ring road around Athy has been fought for and talked about for over 40 years.

"It has been a number 1 priority for me since I was first elected in 2011 and I am delighted that after receiving Government funding and a commitment to the road in Project Ireland 2040 that we are finally at this stage of the process.

“I believe that once completed this road will have a really positive impact on the town of Athy, its residents and businesses.”