Athy must approach 2009 with a positive attitude – Daly

With all of the forecast doom and gloom it is very important that Athy must look forward to the coming year with a positive attitude according to Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael.

“With massive unemployment, falling house prices and economic uncertainty on the horizon it is very important that Athy must look to positives in the face of these bleak times. This positive attitude is necessary if Athy is to be ready for the opportunities which could present themselves sooner if we are proactive.

One could not be blamed for not having any pride in the current government but this must not take from the national and county pride which we must all portray.

2009 offers us opportunities to promote our town like never before. We should see our swimming pool (without the unsightly fence) opening early in the year and we have a number of children’s playgrounds under development.

With the creation of a 25 acre education campus which will accommodate Athy College and several primary schools we will be developed to take advantage of the best of educational opportunities which is one of the most significant areas in times of depression.

The recent granting of planning permission for Athy’s first town centre shopping centre and the applications made by others indicate a confidence which can be harnessed to created employment and retail opportunities.” said Cllr Daly

“The coming year will see thousands visit for the Tri Athy, the Kildare County Show , the Bluegrass festival and the National Ploughing Championship. Let us use these occasions to show that Athy is a good place to locate, whether for residence or business and let us make every effort as a community to make our town look its best for these occasions. By developing this local pride we can play a vital role in creating Athy’s future.

Despite their political differences, the fact that there are so many candidates of different persuasions willing to offer their services in the local elections is a sign of confidence in the town and all of these have the best interests of the town at heart.

Athy can face the future with confidence. The old Kipling lines that “if you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs…” would be worth remembering.

ENDS