Fingal County Council is pressing ahead with a comprehensive programme of works in Swords, aiming to grow the town as a vibrant, contemporary urban centre while protecting and showcasing its historic character.

At the heart of the plan is the Swords Cultural Quarter, being developed around the medieval Swords Castle to create a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly setting that links the town's heritage with new cultural and community facilities. Plans include the future Culture House and new public spaces connecting Main Street, County Hall, Swords Castle Culture House and Swords town park.

Marking a key milestone, the Council last week signed a contract with Duggan Brothers to deliver the next phase of public realm works within the Swords Cultural Quarter.

In parallel, a series of major infrastructure and streetscape projects are progressing across the town. Enabling works on the R132 are opening up future development lands and improving connectivity in anticipation of MetroLink. Significant enhancements on Main Street and adjoining areas, including upgrades to Bridge Street and North Street, are under way to create a more attractive, accessible, people-focused town centre.

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The Seatown Road to Estuary Road Active Travel Scheme, which began in February 2026, is a flagship element of the improvements. It will tie in with the North Street public realm works and the R132 Connectivity Project to support a more seamless local network.

Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Tony Murphy, said: "Swords is undergoing an exciting period of transformation. From the Cultural Quarter at Swords Castle to improvements along Main Street and the delivery of new homes and infrastructure, we are investing in the future of our County Town. Together, these projects will create a more attractive, accessible and vibrant place for people to live, work and visit.

"Once completed next year, the Swords Cultural Quarter will be a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly civic space where locals and visitors can interact with cultural and community life in the area, creating a high-quality, landmark facility that the community can take real pride in."

Works are being sequenced in carefully managed phases to limit disruption and maintain momentum. Around the castle, enabling works are well advanced and have revealed previously unrecorded buried features. Their historical importance will be protected and, where possible, incorporated into the Cultural Quarter's design to enrich the town's story.

Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, added: "The scale of investment currently underway in Swords reflects our long-term vision for the town as a thriving, sustainable urban centre. From public realm enhancements and major infrastructure projects to new housing and cultural facilities, these developments will significantly enhance the quality of life for our communities and support Swords' continued growth."

As these projects move forward, they will collectively reshape Swords into a more liveable, connected and attractive place, reinforcing its role as Fingal's County Town. By combining new public spaces, upgraded infrastructure and modern housing with strong cultural amenities, the programme is delivering an inclusive, sustainable and opportunity-rich town that celebrates its heritage while meeting the needs of a growing population.