Students share project views 

STUDENTS from a local school met Fingal County Council officials recently to share their views on arts, culture and public space in Swords. 

The opportunity arose from a workshop the Fingal Community College students participated in during the last school term. 

Invited by the council, the students explored what they like and dislike about their home town, what they would change, and what kind of cultural spaces and opportunities they would like in their town in the coming years. 

The impetus for this engagement is the development of the new Swords Cultural Masterplan for the area around Swords Castle and the existing County Hall building. 

Aspects include a new library, theatre, project and rehearsal space, alongside a cultural hub and outdoor civic space which will redesign the cultural landscape of the town and neighbouring villages.

Julie Clarke, Youth & Education Arts Officer at Fingal County Council, said consultation with young people about issues that impact their lives is important.

“Opportunities for young people to tell us about their cultural needs and ambition are a vital part of the council’s work,” said Ms Clarke. 

The original consultation took the form of an informal interactive workshop in two locations in Swords facilitated by professional youth arts consultant Anna Galligan. 

The first workshop took place in Fingal Community College and the second at Holywell Community Centre with young people from Cross Care youth services.

Siobhan Lynch, a teacher at Fingal Community College, said: “This was one of the best workshops we’ve ever been involved in. It was very dynamic and creative.  

“Responses were captured using written, aural and visual media and the result is this wonderful report and film which the young people can stand by with pride and present to the council team.”

 The students presented the final report to members of the Swords Cultural Quarter working team. 

Swords is ‘clean’, quiet’ and has ‘nice people’ according to the report. Swords Main Street and the Pavilions are the main locations for meeting with friends and there is a need for more ‘youth friendly’ spaces, indoor and outdoor. 

Nature is of significant importance and places to read, study, draw and play music. A need for resourced spaces is expressed, spaces with computers with animation and film software. 

Food, comfortable seating and low cost activities are also high on the list of priorities for the students.