2020 Vision for Athy - Entire Document - Kildare.ie

To accommodate the growth to the northeast of the town, a
northern distributor link from N78/N9 link junction to the
R417 Monasterevin road is proposed. In addition, the
southern bypass and the Inner Relief Street will be
constructed.
Objective 1 Consolidate growth within the Athy Urban
Area allowing for natural increases in population in the
Study Hinterland Area.
Scenario A complies with this objective as potential
population growth can be facilitated within the urban area
with natural growth being accommodated within the
hinterland. It is envisaged that many under-utilised sites
within the town will be redeveloped following the
development of the Inner Relief Street.
Objective 2 Develop a compact urban form within Athy.
Scenario C partially complies with Objective 2. The
scenario facilitates the development of under-utilised land
and minimises green field development. Access to the rail
station is optimised but whilst the overall form is compact a
significant quantum of new residential development is east
of the railway line, which in real terms will not optimise its
connectivity to the town centre. The mix of land uses is also
not maximised, with residential lands in the east quite remote
from future high-density employment lands in the west of the
town.
Objective 3 Create opportunities for a range of housing
types and densities.
Scenario C performs well in meeting this objective. As
outlined in assessing the performance against Objective 2,
the effect of higher residential densities can be maximised.
The integrity and vitality of the local community as a whole
can be supported and a stronger sense of place facilitated.
Objective 4 Develop slow mode linkages between
residential areas and the rail station.
Scenario C complies well with this objective. The
concentration of residential developments to the east of the
town, supported by strong slow mode links to the town
centre will result in more than 75% of the town’s population
being located within an acceptable walking distance of the
rail station.
Objectives 5 Consolidate commercial and retail
development in the existing town centre.
Scenario C complies fully with Objective 5. With the
location of future commercial areas close to or within the
town centre, the existing function of the town as primary
retail and commercial core can be consolidated and
extended. This is further aided by the location of highdensity
employment lands and residential lands within easy
reach of the town centre.
Figure 8.11 Walking Assessment from
Residential Areas to Rail Station
Figure 8.12 Walking Assessment from
Residential Areas to Primary Schools
Athy IFPLUT Study 75 Final Report December 2004