Council purchase Athy's Dominican Church and grounds

Council purchase Athy's Dominican Church and grounds

Minister Alan Kelly announces purchase in Athy

Mr. Alan Kelly, TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, yesterday (27th October, 2015) announced that his Department and Kildare County Council are jointly providing funding of €1.39 million for the purchase of the Dominican church and grounds in Athy, Co. Kildare from the Dominican Order.  

It is intended to convert the Dominican church into a library and build sheltered housing on the site, as well as develop the site into an amenity park. It is envisaged that up to €8 million will be invested in developing the site over the next decade. Kildare County Council are delighted with the acquisition of the site and believes it offers excellent size and scope for a multi-purpose community facility.

Kildare County Council stated this morning that the site is the most appropriate site in Athy for a multi-purpose community facility and emphasised that the development of a new library is a priority for Kildare County Council and, as well as acting as a library, the new site will serve as an important community and cultural hub for the town and its hinterland.

Minister Kelly told the community in Athy, “I am delighted that my Department has been in a position to support the purchase of this excellent site in Athy, Co. Kildare. The proposal to develop this site as an integrated community facility is unique and I believe that the development of a public amenity, social housing units and a public library on such a significant local landmark will add greatly to the quality of the life of those who live in Athy.

The site not only affords significant amenity potential for Athy town, but with its proximity to both the River Barrow and the Grand Canal, it also provides an exciting opportunity for the development of the site as hub on the proposed Barrow Blueway, complementing a myriad of recreation activities and helping develop business along the route and in Athy”.

Mr. Peter Carey, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council said at the event, “Kildare County Council is delighted to secure the site, which is in a strategic central location in the town and offers significant potential for multipurpose community uses”.

Minister Kelly concluded that he and his Department looked forward to working with Kildare County Council on the development of this excellent site and project for the community in Athy, over the coming years.  

 


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