Council Give Update On Proposed New Athy Sports Ground

Monday, 29 June 2026 at 14:27

By Daniel Maher

It comes as councillors have called for more sports facilities in the town

Kildare County Council have given an update on the proposed development of Ardrew Community Sports Ground in Athy.

KCC have said that a design team has been appointed to progress the part 8 stage for planning approval, where a plan will be provided to the public.

Members of the public can then make submissions or observations on the plans, including aspects like pitches, dressing rooms and lighting.

It comes as a number of councillors in the municipal district had concluded that further sporting facilities were needed in Athy, with funds being allocated for it.

Speaking on Kildare Today, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Athy MD Brian Dooley said that another sports facility is needed in the town.

"Most of our spots facilities are on the northern end of the town, we need more and more sports grounds. We have a site available on the Ardrew land and over the last number of years we have been setting side significant monies each year."

Cllr Dooley added that the new design plans will be given to locals, who can then give their own observations:

"There will be a plan provided to the public that they can go in and assess, and if they like, they can make submissions or observations."

"The project is at a very early stage, kick off that design team will put together a roadmap for delivery and that will give a timeline and then the statutory public consultation days will kick in."

Cllr Dooley estimates the "significant" spending for the new grounds will range from €1.2million to €1.5million, with a final note that he expects for sports facilities to be delivered on the Ardrew site.

The full interview can be heard below: