Posted online: Jan 15th, 2010

By Andrew Jennings
Reporter

ATHY could be about to receive a massive boost with the news that a planning application has been lodged for a new shopping complex close to the town centre.
The proposed €7.5 million investment is still very much at an early planning stage and will need to go before the next meeting of Athy Town Council for consideration.
The complex is planned for the site of the former Bachelor’s peas factory, which sits only 600 metres from the town centre.
Athy councillors will have to agree on a change of land use, from industrial to retail, before the planning application can move forward.
If it gets the go ahead it could create 60 full time and 70 construction jobs in Athy.
Athy Councillor Richard Daly told the Kildare Post that although it’s a bit early to be making any concrete announcements, he is nonetheless excited by the prospect of major investment in the town.
“We’ve been approached about it and it seems a very attractive proposal. “Athy wants to attract as much development as it can, especially retail investment close to the town. It’s still early days but it’s an exciting project,” stated Cllr Daly.