Centre to assist people in Kildare with intellectual disabilities and autism proposed
If given the green light by Kildare County Council, the centre would be located in Athy
A centre aimed at assisting those with intellectual disabilities and those on the Autism Spectrum (AS) in County Kildare has been proposed.
According to a planning permission application currently with Kildare County Council (KCC), the development is being proposed by James Jenkinson, on behalf of The Muriosa Foundation, which assists individuals with intellectual disabilities and those on the AS.
If granted approval by KCC, the new centre would be located at 15 Emily Square in Athy.
The description of the application shows that Mr Jenkinson is seeking permission from KCC for the change of use [of a previous] planning application, from "retail use to day services centre use".
Mr Jenkinson is also seeking to make some external and internal alterations, which would include: additional front door and adjustment to glazing to front elevation (to the West); the inclusion of two universally accessible toilet units; the inclusion of a canteen; and the inclusion of a multi-functional room.
Permission is also being sought for all associated works.
The date received is listed as May 14 last, while the submission-by and due dates are listed as June 17, 2025 and July 8, 2025 respectively.
The Muriosa Foundation is a charity which operates across more than 35 locations in the Midlands of Ireland, including in Kildare, according to its official website.
The organisation also says that it provides "person-centred services publicly funded by the Department of Health and Children (DOH&C) through the Health Service Executive".