Allocation of €1.9M to Athy distributor road project lauded by business and political community in Kildare

The news of a €1.9 million allocation of funding towards the planned Athy Southern Distributor Road in Kildare has been lauded by various sections of the business and political landscape in Kildare.

It was revealed that a total of €29.5 million would be provided to the county by the National Road Authority for improvement and renewal works on the county's roads, and a big portion of it will go towards the funding of the new road in Athy which will help to ease commuter traffic.

County Kildare Chamber spokesperson Vivian Cummins noted; “The period in which public objections could be made via Judicial Review has elapsed so there are no planning impediments to the preferred route proceeding. This announcement is welcomed by the Chamber, as this funding allows for works to be carried out immediately. Hopefully, we will soon see a presence on site of actual works being carried out.”

Meanwhile, South Kildare TD Martin Heydon also hailed the plans set out by the government, stating that the project is vital for Athy.

"Following the grant of planning permission for the Athy Ring Road last year and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s visit to Athy in November, the allocation of funding for the Athy Road is further proof of this government's commitment to this vital project for Athy," he said.

"The funding of €1.9m will allow Kildare County Council progress with site works, preparation of contract documents and detailed design work in the coming months.

“The overall Kildare funding also includes provision for maintenance, improvement and restoration of local roads and bridges.  It is essential that our infrastructure is capable of meeting the demands of our expanding economy and the investment in Kildare’s large road network."