Work has officially begun on a major refurbishment and extension project in the heart of Swords that will deliver 13 new social homes on North Street.

Fingal County Council, in partnership with Broomfield Construction, has started transforming a rundown 19th-century townhouse into a new residential development known as North Court. The project will see the existing building refurbished, converted and extended to provide much-needed housing in the town centre.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tom O'Leary, and Fingal County Council Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly visited the site in December to mark the start of construction. The council’s architectural team outlined how the scheme supports Fingal's 'Town Centre First' policy, aimed at bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.

Once completed, North Court will comprise a mix of one-bed and two-bed homes, including three age-friendly units and two designed to universal access standards. All 13 homes will be allocated to people on the council's social housing waiting list.

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Urban regeneration forms a central pillar of the council's housing strategy, which has been allocated a record €884 million under the 2025–2028 Capital Programme. The North Court development is located adjacent to the planned €40 million Swords Cultural Quarter, which will include a new library, theatre, gallery, maker space, arts facilities and café in a landmark building due to open in 2027. Public realm improvements around Swords Castle are also planned to create enhanced space for events.

The project is expected to accommodate 38 residents and promote sustainable living by making use of existing services and proximity to employment and public transport. The redevelopment of the semi-derelict site is also intended to improve the overall appearance of North Street.

Commenting at the sod-turning, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Tom O'Leary said: "I am delighted to turn the sod on North Court Swords which will provide much needed housing, including age friendly homes, in the heart of the town close to all amenities. Developments such as this, which sees the conversion of semi derelict houses into three new homes and additional ten apartments to the rear, contribute to combatting dereliction and breathing life into our town centres."

Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly also welcomed the project, stated: "I am delighted to see the development of this site at the heart of Swords on North Street, a true regeneration project for the town. The careful refurbishment of the existing buildings, along with the substantial extension, will deliver thirteen social homes right in the centre, where families can be close to the services and community they need. Congratulations to Fingal County Council Architects who have brought it from design to planning and now to the sod-turning. It is a proud day for Swords, and this project will be a great addition to the town's future."