New major public park planned for Swords, Fingal confirms

Fingal County Council has announced that it has plans to develop a new public park in Swords as the “population in the key town continues to grow rapidly.”

The local authority says it is committed to “explore how best to deliver a new project that will create a vastly enhanced Ward River Valley Regional Park in Swords.”

The council has outlined plans that will see an expansion of the park to some 80 hectares (200 acres) and create a space that will benefit “all users on the doorstep” of Fingal’s county town.

“The project will involve extensive consultation with the local community with the goal of developing an ambitious shared vision for the future,” a spokesperson says.

“The project – led by the Parks & Green Infrastructure Division – aims to deliver a sustainable vision for the development of the park.

“Protection and enhancement of the existing heritage, ecology and biodiversity is a key element of the park’s future, along with developing new links within the park and with the wider area.

“The recent acquisition by Fingal of strategically located lands within the River Valley will help unlock the future potential of the park.

“The project will also identify current recreational needs and uses, providing a framework for development of the park from the present time into the future.”

Mayor of Fingal Howard Mahony said: “This is an exciting project that will not only help improve facilities, but also create a wonderful expanse for people to enjoy in the heart of Swords.

“In transforming the Ward River Valley into a place for leisure, recreation, sport and nature we want input and widespread engagement from the community so that we can realise the potential of the park as a major amenity to be celebrated.”