FINGAL County Council is to invest
?¬3 million over three years to transform Swords Castle and the surrounding area.
The council is in the process of commissioning an architectural masterplan for what will become the new civic and cultural focal point of the town.
The key objectives of the plan are:
?¢ Environmental improvements to be made to the public spaces in the area to reinforce its identity within the town of Swords.
?¢ Works to be carried out at Swords Castle as identified in the recently completed conservation plan.
?¢ Development of more cultural events within and around the castle.
?¢ Development of a space for artists and cultural tourism.
?¢ Looking at the potential to relocate Swords public library and develop a civic theatre.
?¢ Furthering all these objectives to increase and support business activity in the area.
Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said:
“Overall the council wants to provide a civic and cultural place around Swords Castle for visitors, local residents, the business community and other stakeholders that recognises the historical and civic importance of Swords as our county town.
“Swords like other parts of Fingal has faced challenges during the downturn and the commissioning of this masterplan recognises the need to direct the recovery that is beginning in a sustainable way.
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Mr Reid added:
“The Swords Castle Masterplan will respect the long term strategic objectives for the town as a whole but will also allow us to deliver a new social and cultural destination around Swords Castle with links back into the retail heart of the town.
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Darragh Butler, a Fianna Fail councillor for the Swords Local Electoral Area (LEA), expressed delight after receiving a presentation of the plan at a council meeting.
Cllr Butler said real progress was being made.
“For a start, Swords Castle will be opened again to the public later this year,
? he stated.
“On top of this, the council has great plans to revitalise this end of the town and make more use of Swords Town Park behind the castle.
“The council also mentioned options with regard to making the main street one-way, which may prove contentious, but is worth discussing.
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Cllr Butler added:
“I expect real progress to be made over the coming months and years to ensure Swords Castle will finally become the focal point for Swords that it always should have been.
? he added.