08. Built Heritage & Archaeology

Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021 - 2027

Closed17 Dec, 2020, 07:00 - 8 Feb, 2021, 17:00

Aim: To protect, conserve and manage Athy’s unique built and archaeological heritage, by promoting the understanding, enhancement and appropriate development of these assets in order to instigate a heritage-led regeneration of the town.

8.1 Overview

Athy boasts a rich stock of architectural and archaeological heritage, a non-renewable resource that provides a high level of distinctiveness and character to the town. Such heritage refers to all manmade features in the environment including buildings and other structures such as bridges, monuments, archaeological sites, walls and street furniture. These structures and sites play an integral part in the life of the town and include places of work, commerce, worship, education and recreation. It is important that these heritage items are not viewed in isolation or as an impediment to development on account of their existence but rather form an inherent part of the townscape of Athy, which lends the town a unique ‘sense of place’ and offers great potential in providing for a place-based regeneration of the town.

As stated in the National Planning Framework (NPF) our ‘built heritage assets merit being nurtured in a manner appropriate to their significance as an aid to understanding the past, contributing to community well-being and quality of life as well as regional economic development.’ Accordingly, this Plan will seek to conserve and manage Athy’s heritage assets for the benefit of present and future generations and to promote such assets as generators of economic development and urban regeneration while adhering to the relevant statutory obligations.

8.2 Architectural Heritage

8.2.1. Record of Protected Structures

The Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), places an obligation on local authorities to include objectives for the protection of structures, or parts of structures, which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest.

Archaeological structures may, in some situations, be considered as architectural heritage and, therefore, may appear on both the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). The RPS, which includes structures in Athy, is contained within the Kildare County Development Plan. Map 3: Built Heritage and Archaeology and Map 3a: Built Heritage and Archaeology – Town Centre illustrate the location of protected structures in Athy. Most of these structures are also identified in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) as being of regional importance.

Table 8.1 is an extract of the Record of Protected Structures and is reproduced in this Plan for information purposes only.¹⁹ There are 150 protected structures located within the area covered by the Local Area Plan. These structures merit protection and enhancement and in many cases have been identified by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) for that reason. The NIAH for Kildare was completed in 2003 and the entire Record of Protected Structures in the county was last reviewed in 2015. It should be noted that the consideration of any additions or deletions to the RPS is addressed outside of the local area plan-making process and must have regard to the relevant planning legislation and guidelines including the ‘Architectural Heritage Protection: Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ (DoAHG, 2011).

Table 8.1: Record of Protected Structures within the Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027 Boundary

Reference (RPS No.)	NIAH Ref.	Item and Location	Description
AY001	11506014	St. Michael’s Cemetery, Boherboy	Cemetery
AY002	11503008	Moneen Lane, Tomard	Bridge
AY005	11503016	St. Michael’s Convent of Mercy Graveyard	Graveyard
AY008	11504029	Geraldine Road, Townparks	Wall
AY009	11504024	Shamrock Lodge Gates, Geraldine Road, Shamrocklodge	Gates
AY010	11500020	St. Vincent’s Hospital, Stradbally Road Townparks	Building (Formerly detached five-bay single-storey hospital gate lodge, built c.1845, as workhouse lodge with extension to rear). Now in use as sheltered housing.
AY011	11500002	Cardington Lock, Stradbally Road, Cardington	Lock
AY012	11500005	Galilee, Stradbally Road, Cardington	Building
AY013	11500015	St. Vincent’s Hospital, Stradbally Road, Townparks	Building Freestanding former workhouse, built 1843, now local hospital. Eighteen- bay two-storey front with two-and three- bay three-storey projecting wings
AY014	11500019	St. Vincent’s Hospital, Stradbally Road, Townparks	Wall
AY016	11500038	Lennon’s Bridge, Ballintubbert Road, Townparks	Bridge
AY017	11500056	The Grand Canal	Canal (Section of the Grand Canal (Barrow Line) constructed c. 1790. Links into the Barrow Navigation to south of the town at Horse Bridge.
AY018	11500034	Woodstock Lodge, Townparks	Building
AY019	11505060	Duke Street	Building
AY020	11505040	Cromaboo Bridge	Bridge
AY021	11505039	The White Castle, Leinster Street	Castle
AY022	11505358	Emily Square	Fountain
AY023	11505336	No. 5 Emily Square	Building

Reference (RPS No.)	NIAH Ref.	Item and Location	Description
AY024	11505341	W.T Duthie, No. 30 Leinster Street	Building
AY025	11505342	No. 31 Leinster Street	Building
AY026	11505331	Bank of Ireland, Emily Square	Building
AY026	11505330	O’Brien’s, Emily Square	Building
AY030	11505300	Stanhope Place	Building
AY032	11505344	The Emigrant, Barrow Quay	Building
AY033	11505311	Bapty Maher’s, Leinster Street	Building
AY034	11505309	No. 25 Rafter’s, Leinster Street, Athy	Building
AY035	11505307	No. 27 Manleys, Leinster Street	Building
AY036	11505286	No. 46 Leinster Street Athy	Building
AY037	11505016	Athy Community Centre, Stanhope Place	Building
AY038	11505017	Carlton Hotel. (Formerly St. Michael’s Convent of Mercy, Stanhope Place)	Building
AY040	11505019	Carlton Hotel. (Formerly St. Michael’s Convent of Mercy, Stanhope Place)	Building
AY041	11505020	Carlton Hotel (St. Michael’s Convent of Mercy - Chapel, Stanhope Place)	Church
AY042	11505021	St. Michael’s Roman, Catholic Church, Stanhope Street	Church
AY043	11505022	Rathstewart Road	Bridge
AY046	11505049	St. John’s Cemetery, St. John’s Lane	Cemetery
AY048	11505054	St. John’s Lane	Wall
AY049	11505226	Front façade only of No. 9 McLaughlin’s Bar, Leinster Street	Building
AY050	11505006	No. 82 Leinster Street	Building
AY051	11505258	No. 69 Leinster Street	Building
AY053	11505318	Meeting Lane	Building
AY054	11505314	No. 20 (M.D Mullins), Leinster Street	Building
AY055	11505313	No. 21 Leinster Street	Building
AY057	11505257	Post Box, No. 69 Leinster Street	Post Box
AY058	11505260	No. 67 (Angler’s Rest), Leinster Street	Building
AY059	11505229	Front façade only of No. 6 Leinster Street	Building
AY060	11505230	Front façade only of No. 5 Leinster	Building
AY061	11505224	Front façade only of No. 11 (Kane’s Public House), Leinster Street	Building
AY062	11505223	No. 12 (Clancy’s) Leinster Street	Building
AY063	11505163	Athy Railway Station, Church Road	Railway Station
AY064	11505164	Athy Railway Station Post Box, Church Road	Post Box
AY065	11505168	Athy Railway Station Church Road	Water Tower
AY066	11505170	Athy Railway, Church Road	Bridge
AY067	11505172	Leinster Street	Water Trough
AY068	11505001	Athy Railway Bridge, Boherboy	Bridge
AY075	11505332	Athy Town Hall, Emily Square	-
AY077	11505116	Athy Court House, Emily Square	Building
AY079	11505074	Front façade, east and west side elevations only of No. 22 Griffin Hawe, rear, Duke Street	Building

Reference (RPS No.)	NIAH Ref.	Item and Location	Description
AY080	11505076	Griffin Hawe, Duke Street	Building
AY081	11505063	Athy Post Office, Duke Street	Building
AY083	11505144	Janeville Cottage, Janeville	Building
AY084	11505143	Casa Maria, Janeville	Building
AY086	11505136	No. 8 Offaly Street	Building
AY087	11505135	No. 7 Offaly Street	Building
AY088	11505134	No. 6 Offaly Street	Building
AY089	11505133	No. 5 Offaly Street	Building
AY090	11505132	Front façade only of No. 4 Offaly Street	Building
AY091	11505127	No. 13, Rear of Emily Square	Building (outbuilding)
AY094	11505119	Front façade only of No. 13 Emily Square	Building
AY095	11505115	Barrow Quay	Quay
AY096	11505111	Irish Permanent, No. 3, Duke Street	Building
AY097	11505108	No. 5 Duke Street (H.G Donnelly and Sons)	Building
AY099	11505096	No. 1 Duke Street	Gazebo
AY100	11505081	No. 16-17 Duke Street	Building
AY101	11505083	No. 14 Duke Street (An Sean Chistin)	Building
AY102	11505073	No 23 Duke Street	Building
AY103	11505072	No. 24-25 Duke Street (Perry’s Supermarket)	Building
AY104	11505067	No. 43 Duke Street	Building
AY105	11505066	No. 44 Duke Street	Building
AY107	11505177	The Rectory, Church Road	Building
AY108	11505176	The Rectory, Church Road	Church
AY109	11505175	Church Road Athy	Building
AY110	11505150	Athy Lodge, Church Road	Building
AY111	11505146	Teach Iosa, Carlow Lodge	Building
AY112	11505145	St. Michael’s Church of Ireland	Church
AY113	11505179	Post Box, Offaly Street	Post Box
AY115	11505147	Prospect House, Carlow Road	Building
AY116	11505148	Prospect House, Carlow Road	Building
AY 120	11505162	St. Anne’s B&B, Church Road	Building
AY122	11505339	No. 3 Emily Square	Building
AY123	11505335	No. 6 Emily Square	Building
AY124	11505337	The Immigrant, Athy	Building
AY125	11506021	Athy Presbyterian Church, Dublin Road Townparks	Church
AY126	11506020	The Manse, Boherboy, Townparks	Building
AY127	11506006	The Model Farm, Dublin Road, Townparks	Building
AY128	11506007	Model Court, Geraldine Road, Townparks	Building
AY129	11506008	Model Court, Geraldine Road Townparks	Building
AY130	11506009	Model Court, Geraldine Road, Townparks	Building
AY131	11506010	Model Court, Youth Reach, Geraldine Road, Townparks	Outbuildings

Reference (RPS No.)	NIAH Ref.	Item and Location	Description
AY132	11506011	Model Court-Montessori School, Townparks	Outbuildings
AY133	11506012	The Model School, Dublin Road Townparks	Building
AY135	11506019	Cemetery, Boherboy Athy	Cemetery
AY136	11501132	No. 89 Woodstock Street Townparks	Building
AY137	11501127	Grand Canal Barrow Navigation, Townparks	Mooring Bollards6
AY138	11501126	Grand Canal Barrow Navigation, Townparks	Dry Dock
AY139	11501110	W. Doyle, Woodstock Street, Townparks	Building
AY140	11501039	Athy Methodist Church, Woodstock Street	Church
AY141	11501038	No. 7 Woodstock Street	Building
AY142	11501037	No. 8 Woodstock Street	Building
AY143	11501036	No. 9 Woodstock Street	Building
AY144	11501035	No. 10 Woodstock Street	Building
AY145	11501028	Woodstock Street	Post Box
AY146	11505071	No. 39 Park House, Duke Street	Building
AY150	11501151	Grand Canal Barrow Navigation, Woodstock South	Mooring Bollards
AY151	11501150	Minch Norton and Company, Upper William Street, Woodstock South	Building
AY152	11501148	Canal Side, Woodstock	Building
AY153	11501118	No. 15 Biadhlann, William Street, Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Building
AY154	11501116	Athy Lock-Crane, William Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Crane
AY155	11501115	Athy Lock, William Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Lock
AY156	11501114	Augustus Bridge, William Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Bridge
AY157	11501105	No. 97 Woodstock Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Building
AY158	11501103	No. 98 Woodstock Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Building
AY159	11501102	No. 99 Woodstock Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Building
AY160	11501101	No. 100 Eversley, Woodstock Street Townparks (Athy West Urban ED)	Building
AY165	11501079	William Street Athy	Post Box
AY167	11501055	No. 27 Duke Street Athy	Building
AY168	11501054	No. 26 Duke Street, (Parkview House)	Building
AY169	11501045	No. 1 Woodstock Street Athy	Building
AY170	11501044	No. 2 Woodstock Street Athy	Building
AY171	11507071	Barrow Lock, Grand Canal Barrow Navigation, Bleach	Lock
AY172	11507058	Convent Lane Athy	Gates
AY173	11507057	Horse Bridge, River Barrow, Athy	Bridge
AY174	11507056	Railway Bridge, River Barrow, Bleach	Bridge

Reference (RPS No.)	NIAH Ref.	Item and Location	Description
AY175	11507055	Weir, River Barrow Coneyburrow	Weir
AY176	11507054	Duke’s Lodge, River Entrance, Carlow Road	Gates
AY177	11507046	Duke’s Lodge, Carlow Road, Coneyburrow	Building
AY178	11507045	Duke’s Lodge, Carlow Road, Coneyburrow	Gates/railings
AY179	11507003	Carlow Road, Grayland	Building
AY180	11502053	Fortbarrington Road, Blackparks	Post Box
AY182	11502002	Tegral Building Products - Chimney Stack Upper William Street, Bleach	Building
AY183	11502004	Tegral Building Products – Store Upper William Street, Bleach	Building
AY184	-	Bascule Bridge, Stradbally Road, Townparks (Athy West Rural ED)	Bridge
AY186	-	Lift Bridge at Ardreigh, Ardree	Lift Bridge
AY188	-	Woodstock Castle, Woodstock	Ruins of Woodstock Castle
AY189	-	Former Maltings, Nelson Street	Stone walls of former malting house
AY190	-	Duke Street	Lamp Post at west end of Cromaboo Bridge
AY191	-	Mill Cottage, Ardreigh, Ardree	House
AY192	-	No. 20 Emily Square (Royal Garden Restaurant)	Building
AY193	-	No. 18 Emily Square	House
AY195	-	No. 18 William Street (Canalside Inn), Townparks	House
AY197	-	Tonlegee House, Tonlegee	House

Policy BH1 – Protected Structures

BH1 It is a policy of the Council to preserve and enhance the buildings identified on the Record of Protected Structures and to carefully consider any proposals for development that would affect the special value of such structures, including their historic curtilage, both directly and indirectly.

Objectives

It is an objective of the Council to:

BH1.1 Ensure the protection and preservation of all protected structures (or parts of structures), including the curtilage and attendant grounds of structures contained in the Record of Protected Structures (refer to Table 8.1, Map 3: Built Heritage and Archaeology and Map 3a: Built Heritage and Archaeology – Town Centre).

BH1.2 Acknowledge and promote awareness of the origins, historical development and cultural heritage of the town, to support high-quality developments that relate to local heritage and to ensure that new development respects and is responsive to the cultural heritage of Athy.

BH1.3 Support the sensitive conservation of protected structures, their curtilage and attendant grounds, and to operate flexibility with regard to the use of these buildings to facilitate their ongoing use, subject to good conservation principles.

BH1.4 Proactively address dereliction, endangerment, neglect and vacancy in the town centre through the use of the Council’s legal process and through the promotion of appropriate uses and the sensitive conservation of historic buildings, in conjunction with other relevant initiatives.

BH1.5 Encourage the protection, retention, appreciation and appropriate revitalisation of the vernacular and industrial heritage of Athy.

BH1.6 Protect and conserve important heritage items such as, gates, street furniture, post boxes and other significant historic features of interest.

BH1.7 Support the development of Athy Heritage Centre and Shackleton Museum as an important tourism and heritage resource for the town.

BH1.8 Support the public access to White Castle as a tourist and heritage destination and to support the preparation of a conservation management plan for the building to avoid loss of historic building fabric and authenticity through appropriate repair and restoration work for White Castle.

Action

The Council will work with and assist, where appropriate, owners of protected structures of particular significance within Athy in their maintenance and repair through advice and grant aid from relevant sources.

8.3 Athy Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

An Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) is a place, area, group of structures or townscape that is of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest or value, or contributes to the appreciation of protected structures. The Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) provides the legislative basis for the protection of such Architectural Conservation Areas (ACA). An area in the historic core of Athy has been designated as an ACA in the Kildare County Development Plan. While the purpose of this designation is to protect and enhance the special character of the area, this does not preclude appropriate forms of development, including the construction of new build from happening.

As part of the preparation of the Plan, a Statement of Character for Athy ACA was also commissioned by Kildare County Council. This is also an objective of the Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023 (Objective ACAO2). The purpose of the Statement, (which has been published alongside this Plan), is to define the special character of the Athy ACA and to provide guidance to property owners, developers, architects and planning professionals on important features and characteristics of the area and the type of works that would require planning permission within the ACA.

Another piece of work undertaken, as part of the preparation of the Statement of Character, involved a review of the current boundaries of the ACA, having assessed the special character of the town. On the basis of this review, the Statement of Character has made recommendations to include or exclude certain areas from the ACA²⁰ and will, if adopted, be amended through the review process of the Kildare County Development Plan. The proposed changes are illustrated in Figure 8.1.

It is also the intention of the Council that an accompanying information/guidance booklet be prepared and be circulated to property owners, the general public and Kildare County Council service departments on the type of works that would require planning permission within the ACA while making specific recommendations on how to improve/restore the character of the ACA where required.

The rationale for the designation of the ACA for Athy includes inter alia:

Historical Significance: Athy traces its history back to the Normans and it played a significant role in the consolidation of control from The Pale in this part of the country. As a medieval walled town Athy is of great archaeological interest. It contains sites of medieval structures which add depth to its historical interest and value.
Morphology of the Town Centre: The historic layout is defined by the main north-south and east-west cruciform street arrangement, a river crossing and walled enclosure. The location of the walls can be traced somewhat in the present-day street layout.
Architectural Significance: Athy contains significant buildings from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. These include infrastructural, defensive, administrative, religious, commercial, industrial and domestic structures of different types, both vernacular and of formal design.
Architectural Character: Athy is a good example of an Irish town in which many houses conform to a simple typology of rendered street architecture with slate roofs and simple sharp detailing. The intrinsic value of the architecture lies in the mix of appealing historic formality and informality, contextual grouping and the survival of early detailing.
Vernacular architecture: The informality of the town is reinforced by the survival of some vernacular buildings. These simple buildings reinforce the character and charm of Athy as a small rural market town.
Landscape: Athy retains much of its impressive historic landscape setting along the river. It also retains a historic cemetery (St. John’s graveyard) and landscaped grounds associated with Georgian and Victorian houses.

Figure 8.1: Athy Architectural Conservation Area with Proposed Boundary Changes

Map: Athy Architectural Conservation Area with Proposed Boundary Changes

8.3.1 Management of Development in the Architectural Conservation Area

The Athy ACA Statement of Character shall act as a guide for homeowners, developers and the Planning Authority to inform proposed development proposals in the ACA. Owners and occupiers of non-protected structures located with the ACA should note that carrying out of works to the exterior of a structure located in an ACA constitutes exempted development only if those works would not materially affect the character of the area. For example, alteration works to streetscape features such as roofs, walls, windows, doors and rainwater goods may not be exempted development.

Porches and other development, which may normally be considered exempt, are consequently not exempt within the ACA.

This Plan aims to ensure that any development within or adjoining the ACA is sympathetic to the character of the area and that the design is appropriate. All planning applications within and adjoining the ACA shall be assessed having regard to Section B: Guide to Development within the ACA of the Statement of Character (published alongside this Plan).

Applications for infill development within and contiguous to the ACA, and also modifications to existing or new shopfronts should also have regard to Section B of the ACA Statement of Character, and include: a study of the overall façade; an analysis of how the development complements the setting; the removal of visually intrusive elements such as inappropriate signage, lighting and ancillary cables and ducts, and the use of appropriate materials.

8.3.2 Views and Prospects in the ACA

Whilst it is noted that the Kildare County Development Plan does not include views to be protected within the Plan area, the Statement of Character for the Athy ACA outlines a number of key views/prospects which are deemed to be worthy of protection (see Figure 8.1). Such views should be taken into consideration when developing sites within the ACA.

Table 8.2: List of views outlined in the Athy ACA Statement of Character

View/ Prospect Location
View A	View upstream from Cromaboo Bridge (north-side)
View B	View downstream towards Cromaboo Bridge and river (north-side)
View C	View downstream from Cromaboo Bridge (south-side)
View D	View upstream towards Cromaboo Bridge (south-side)
View E	View into Woodstock Street from junction with William Street / Duke Street
View F	Stanhope Street looking south towards Emily Square with the spire of St. Michael’s Church of Ireland Church in the distance
View G	View on Church Road to St. Michael’s Church of Ireland church

Policy BH2 – Architectural Conservation Area

BH2 It is the policy of the Council to protect the character of the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and to carefully consider any proposals for development that would affect the special value of the ACA, while providing guidance through the publication of a Statement of Character to support property owners located within the ACA.

Objectives

It shall be an objective of the Council to:

BH2.1 Ensure that new development, including infill development, extensions and renovation works within or adjacent to Athy ACA preserve or enhance the special character and visual setting of the ACA and its setting including vistas, streetscapes, building line, fenestration patterns and architectural features.

BH2.2 Require all development proposals including new development, modifications, alterations or extensions to existing buildings within the Athy ACA boundary, in the surrounding area and adjoining the boundary of the ACA have due regard to the Athy ACA Statement of Character (2020), DoEHG’s ‘Architectural Heritage Protection Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2004)’ and their ‘Advice Series’.

BH2.3 Encourage the retention, repair and re-use of materials which characterise the vernacular architecture of the ACA including stone, slate, timber windows and doors, and decorative render.

BH2.4 Ensure that any development (contemporary or traditional) within or adjoining the ACA is of high quality design and finish and is sympathetic to the character of the area. All applications within and adjoining the ACA will be assessed in the context of the following criteria and the impact of any development on the immediate surroundings of the site, the broader townscape or its landscape setting;

The height, scale and orientation of the proposed development;
The bulk, massing and density of the proposed development and its layout in relation to any building line and the surrounding plan form;
The quality and type of materials to be used in the construction of the development; any boundary treatment and landscaping;
The design and detail of the proposed development;
The retention of the traditional plot boundaries of the town;
The retention and maintenance of historic street furniture, surfaces and boundary treatments.

BH2.5 Review all applications for demolition, modifications or extensions to existing buildings with regard to its relative importance to the appreciation of the character of the ACA as identified in the Building Inventory of the Statement of Character.

BH2.6 Strongly discourage proposals for the demolition of a structure that positively contributes to the character of the ACA, except in exceptional circumstances. Kildare County Council will require such applications to be accompanied by a photographic survey, condition report and architectural heritage assessment of the structure and an assessment of the impact of the replacement building on the character of the ACA.

BH2.7 Require that proposals for infill development within the ACA, and proposals contiguous to the ACA should include an analysis of how the new development complements the setting, character and appearance of the ACA, making reference to the findings of the Statement of Character for the town.

BH2.8 Encourage appropriate new infill development which is considered essential to the vibrancy and sustainability of the town, designed in accordance with the advice given in the Statement of Character for the town.

BH2.9 Encourage removal of visually intrusive elements from existing façades, and reinstatement of historic features, and differentiation of original building plots in accordance with the advice and case study demonstrated in the Statement of Character for the town.

BH2.10 Encourage the repair and enhancement of existing shopfronts and the replacement of inappropriate shop fronts where necessary. The design of new shop fronts is required to act in harmony with the upper floor facades to complement and enhance the character of the building and streetscape plots in accordance with the advice and case study demonstrated in the Statement of Character and the Kildare Shopfront Guidelines (2013) .

BH2.11 Require that applications for modifications to existing shopfronts or new shopfronts include a study of the overall façade and to make proposals which would, where relevant, include the removal of visually intrusive elements such as inappropriate signage, lighting and ancillary cables and ducts and use of appropriate material as indicated in the shop front case study in the Statement of Character

BH2.12 Reduce, prevent and encourage the removal of visual and urban clutter within the ACA including, where appropriate:

Traffic management structures
Utility structures and signage
Signage (including signs protruding from the façade) at ground and upper floor levels;
Obsolete/unnecessary lighting, electrics, cables, ducts
Internally affixed stickers;
Internally illuminated signage.

BH2.13 Protect the landscape character, values, sensitivities, focal points and views identified in the Athy ACA Statement of Character. This will include, inter alia, the following:

i. The requirement of a Visual Impact Assessment for developments with potential to impact on areas of significant landscape character, value or sensitivity, including both urban and natural features, significant townscapes and historic buildings, as appropriate.

ii. Prohibit development that will block or interfere with a significant focal point or a view. Where it is considered that a development may impact on focal points or views, proposals must have regard to the significance of any such impact and any appropriate mitigation measures that should be incorporated.

BH2.14 Seek the preparation and implementation of heritage-led regeneration plans (including for the public realm) in Athy’s historic core, through funding sources such as the Historic Towns Initiative and the Rural/Urban Regeneration Development Fund.

Action

The Council will prepare an information/guidance booklet to be circulated to property owners, the general public and Kildare County Council service departments on the type of works that would require planning permission within the ACA while making specific recommendations on how to improve/restore the character of the ACA where required.

8.4 Archaeological Heritage

Whilst Athy can trace its origins as a settlement back to medieval times there is a diverse range of archaeological features found throughout the town, with representative monuments and artifacts of all periods. Archaeological finds dating to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age attest to the importance of the crossing over the River Barrow from prehistoric times. Little of Athy’s medieval origins remain apart from the presence of structures from this period such as White Castle located on the east bank of the River Barrow adjacent to Cromaboo Bridge; the ruins of St. Michael’s Church at the edge of the town and a wall of St. John’s Hospital bounding the medieval graveyard on John’s Lane. The sense of the Athy’s medieval origins is retained by the street pattern and distinct building line along the Main Street creating a sense of enclosure of medieval character.

For the purposes of the Local Area Plan, Archaeological Heritage includes the following:

National Monuments
Archaeological and Architectural monuments/sites on the Sites and Monuments Record
Monuments in the Register of Historic Monuments
Zones of Archaeological Potential in Historic Towns
Underwater Archaeological Heritage, including Historic Wrecks
Previously unknown and unrecorded archaeological sites
Potential sites located near large complexes of sites or monuments
Present or former wetlands, unenclosed land, rivers or lakes, or the inter-tidal zone

8.4.1. Medieval Town Walls/Defences

Athy was once a fortified town; however no above ground evidence of the town defences exists today. The County Kildare Urban Archaeological Survey (Bradley and King 1986) suggests the line of the town defences, including any subterranean remains should be protected. In this regard the Statement of Character for the Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) proposes to alter the boundaries of the ACA so that they follow the probable circuit of the town walls (see Section 8.3). Furthermore, as per Objective AO2 of the County Development Plan a Conservation, Management and Interpretation Plan has been prepared to aid the development of planning policy and guide the conservation of the medieval heritage of Athy. It should be noted that the town walls and other subterranean other defences are categorised as ‘National Monuments’ (rather than ‘Recorded Monuments’) under the National Walled Towns Policy (DAHG 2008).

8.5 Sites and Monuments Record

Map 3: Built and Natural Heritage identifies the sites within the Plan area that are included on the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR). This map should be read in conjunction with Table 8.2 (see below) which lists all the relevant sites, and which has been reproduced in this Plan for information purposes only. The Archaeological Survey of Ireland database at www.archaeology.ie contains an interactive map/search facility that provides access to all records of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) and should be consulted prior to the development of land within the Plan area. The SMR for Athy is continually updated as new information becomes available and new sites are uncovered.

Some archaeological structures within the town may, in some situations, also be considered as architectural heritage and may therefore appear on both the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and the Record of Protected Structures (RPS). Such structures are therefore protected by both the National Monuments Acts and the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).

Table 8.3: Sites and Monuments Record within the Athy Local Area Plan Boundary

Monument No.	Townland	Classification
KD035-021	Townparks	Castle - hall-house
KD035-021001	Townparks	Bawn
KD035-021002	Townparks	Fish-pond
KD035-021003	Townparks	House - 17th Century
KD035-021004	Townparks	Settlement deserted - medieval
KD035-022	Townparks	Historic town
KD035-022002	Townparks	Town defences
KD035-022004	Athy	Religious house - Dominican friars
KD035-022006	Athy	Religious house - Fratres Cruciferi
KD035-022008	Athy	Bridge
KD035-022010	Athy	Castle - tower house,
KD035-022014	Athy	Church
KD035-022015	Athy	Graveyard
KD035-022016	Athy	Graveslab
KD035-022017	Athy	Cross-slab
KD035-022018	Athy	Crucifixion plaque
KD035-022019	Athy	Architectural feature
KD035-022020	Athy	Graveslab
KD035-022021	Athy	Graveslab,
KD035-022023	Athy	Memorial stone
KD035-022024	Athy	Armorial plaque
KD035-031	Ardrew	Enclosure
KD035-032001	Ardree	Settlement deserted - medieval
KD035-032002	Ardree	Church
KD035-032005	Ardree	Graveyard
KD035-049	Bleach	Burial
KD035-101	Ballybought	Excavation - miscellaneous

8.6 Zone of Archaeological Potential

The County Kildare Urban Archaeological Survey (Bradley and King 1986) identifies a Zone of Archaeological Potential in Athy. A number of medieval / early modern towns with known archaeological potential were surveyed and zones of potentially significant archaeology identified. These areas are designated under the National Monuments Acts as recorded monuments and are listed on the SMR. The historic core of Athy was identified as a Zone of Archaeological Potential (Refer to Map 3: Built Heritage and Archaeology and Map 3a: Built Heritage and Archaeology – Town Centre).

As noted in Section 8.4.1 Athy was once a walled town and is one of four towns in the county that are members of the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN). Within the Zone of Archaeological Potential there is a significant potential of uncovering archaeological remains, including the circuit of the town walls. Therefore, developments located within a Zone of Archaeological Potential and/or close to known archaeological monuments or sites, including site works that are extensive in terms of area (ground disturbance of 0.5 ha or more) or length (1 kilometre or more) and developments that necessitate an Environmental Impact Assessment Report, will be required as part of the planning application process, or by condition of permission, to carry out an archaeological assessment, monitoring, testing or excavation within the area either prior to the planning decision or prior to any development proceeding on site. The Council, as a condition on such developments, may consider the preservation of all, or part of the archaeological remains in the area covered by that permission.

The Council will engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other statutory consultees when considering applications for planning permission for development on or in the vicinity of archaeological sites and/or monuments.

Policy BH3 – Archaeological Heritage

BH3 It is the policy of the Council to safeguard the archaeological heritage located within the boundary of the Local Area Plan and avoid negative impacts on sites, monuments, features or objects of significant historical or archaeological interest.

Objectives

It is an objective of the Council to:

BH3.1 Prioritise the protection/preservation in situ (or upon agreement preservation by record) of items of archaeological interest as listed in Table 8.3 and shown on Map 3: Built and Natural Heritage and Map 3a: Built and Natural Heritage - Town Centre from inappropriate development that would adversely affect and/or detract from the interpretation and setting of these sites.

BH3.2 Protect the historic core of Athy and retain, except in exceptional circumstances, the existing street layout, historic building lines and traditional plot widths where these derive from medieval or earlier origins.

BH3.3 Ensure the remains of the historic walls/defences of the town are retained where these still exist (including subterraneous remains) and to promote public awareness and understanding of the existence of these historic elements and their route within the public realm.

BH3.4 Encourage, where practicable, the provision of public access to sites identified on the Sites and Monuments Record under the direct ownership or control of the Local Authority and the State.

BH 3.5 Provide for the protection of historic burial grounds within Athy, in co-operation with agencies such as the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Section of the Department of the Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

BH3.6 Ensure that development proposals contribute towards the protection and preservation of the archaeological value of underwater or archaeological sites associated with the River Barrow, the Grand Canal and associated features.

Notes:

19 For the full record of protected structures in the county please refer to the Kildare County Development Plan.

20 It should be noted that any amendments to the boundaries of Athy ACA will only be carried out through the making of the Kildare County Development Plan 2023 – 2029. The current extent and boundaries of the ACA, as outlined in the Kildare County Development Plan 2017 – 2023, remain unchanged until such a time as agreed by the elected members as part of the making of the new County Development Plan.

Submissions

2 submissions have raised observations relating to this chapter

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Materials

Built Heritage & Archaeology.pdf

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Reports

Chief Executive's Report Athy LAP 2021-2027.pdf

7.09 MB

Observations
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Architectural Heritage observations in relation to the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021–2027

Attached please find the architectural heritage observations and recommendations on the Draft Athy Local Area Plan 2021–2027.

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Addition to protected register

Addition to Protected Structures Register:as accordance with a review or variation of its Development Plan as set out in Section 12 of the Act . The House within the confines of the...

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08. Built Heritage & Archaeology

8.1 Overview

8.2 Architectural Heritage

8.2.1. Record of Protected Structures

Table 8.1: Record of Protected Structures within the Athy Local Area Plan 2021-2027 Boundary

Policy BH1 – Protected Structures

8.3 Athy Architectural Conservation Area (ACA)

Figure 8.1: Athy Architectural Conservation Area with Proposed Boundary Changes

8.3.1 Management of Development in the Architectural Conservation Area

8.3.2 Views and Prospects in the ACA

Table 8.2: List of views outlined in the Athy ACA Statement of Character

Policy BH2 – Architectural Conservation Area

8.4 Archaeological Heritage

8.4.1. Medieval Town Walls/Defences

8.5 Sites and Monuments Record

Table 8.3: Sites and Monuments Record within the Athy Local Area Plan Boundary

8.6 Zone of Archaeological Potential

Policy BH3 – Archaeological Heritage

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Observations
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