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Profile of Athy

Athy, a Heritage town in south County Kildare, is situated less than 50 miles away from Dublin and with easy access to the Airport and seaports of Rosslare and Dublin.

The population of Athy in 2002 was 6,049, however, it is estimated that this rises to an estimated 20,000 people who live within a twenty-mile radius of the town.

The town developed in the late 1800's around the canal network and heavy industry followed. More recently the textile industry had a strong presence in Athy.

Some large industries have survived and continue to operate from Athy because of the high skill levels and loyalty of the staff, however the emergence of new economies has resulted in the transfer of a significant number of jobs resulting in above average unemployment, resulting in a significant negative impact to the local economy.

Athy has now embarked on a programme of regeneration and is looking to develop small and medium sized enterprise, while improving its ICT infrastructure and maximise its potential as a tourist destination. These aims will help to restore Athy to a key economic location in the Irish midlands.

Further information on Athy can be found at www.kildare.ie/athyonline