Kildare County Council, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, has completed a major redevelopment of Emily Square in Athy, County Kildare.

The project, supported by over €2.7 million in funding through Fáilte Ireland's Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme and co-funded by the EU Just Transition Fund, has focused on improving the town's public infrastructure and visitor facilities.

The construction work included resurfacing and upgrading footpaths, installing new street furniture and lighting, and reconfiguring traffic flows to improve pedestrian access throughout the square. These enhancements were designed to create a functional and accessible public space suitable for events, as a meeting point for locals and visitors, and as a starting point for exploring Athy's heritage and the River Barrow by foot, bike, or boat.

The redevelopment also involved the restoration of two historic features: the Maurice Duke of Leinster Drinking Fountain and the 1798 Rebellion Memorial. Additional improvements include the planting of a town tree, installation of two public art murals, and an illuminated ground feature representing the Barrow Line through the centre of the square. These elements were incorporated to preserve heritage and improve the visual environment.

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Emily Square is the first of 17 projects under Fáilte Ireland's Investment Grant Aid Scheme for Local Authorities, which began accepting applications in August 2023. The project demonstrates a combination of civil engineering, landscaping, and heritage restoration work aimed at supporting sustainable tourism and community use.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, and Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien TD, attended the reopening.

Speaking at the reopening, Minister 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."

Minister O'Brien TD added: "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."