Swords Castle conservation plan launched

A CONSERVATION plan has been launched for a well-known landmark in Swords.

The plan for Swords Castle sets out Fingal County Council’s policies and priorities in caring for this important national monument and developing it as an amenity for local people.

Its publication heralds an exciting time for the castle. A steering group has been established to guide important works identified in the plan which aims to make the castle more available to the public as quickly as possible.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mags Murray, launched the plan in the castle’s beautiful chapel.

“Swords Castle is an important part of the town and is a tourism asset for Fingal,

? she said.

The Conservation Plan was researched and compiled by a dedicated team comprising conservation architects Kelly and Cogan, Archaeological Consultants Lisa Courtney and Siobhan Deery, Geophysical investigators Target Archaeological Geophysics, structural engineers Lee McCullough and garden consultant Finola Reid.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, thanked all those involved in undertaking restoration works at the castle over many years and those involved in the bringing the conservation plan to completion thus marking the beginning of the next exciting phase of work.

Swords Castle’s importance nationally and for Fingal was emphasised at the launch by county architect Fionnuala May.

“The castle has a rich assembly of historic buildings representing at least 500 years of development, redesign, alteration re-use and adaptation,

? said Ms May.

“It reflects the changing fortunes and lives of Dublin’s archbishops and later owners and the architectural styles of their times.

?

The conservation plan is available to download at www.fingal.ie or hard copies are available by emailing [email protected]