Progress continues as Swords transformation gathers momentum 

Fingal County Council is continuing to deliver a wide-ranging programme of improvements across Swords, supporting the town’s growth as a vibrant, modern urban centre while enhancing its historic character.

Central to this transformation is the development of the Swords Cultural Quarter, which is emerging as a key civic and cultural destination. Located around the historic Swords Castle, the Cultural Quarter will provide a high-quality, pedestrian-friendly environment that connects the town’s rich heritage with new cultural and community spaces. This will include the future Culture House and new public realm connecting Main Street, County Hall, Swords Castle Culture House and Swords town park.  

Marking this landmark progress in the transformation of Swords town centre, Fingal County Council signed a contract with Duggan Brothers last week for the delivery of the next phase of Public Realm works at the Swords Cultural Quarter. 

Alongside this, a number of major infrastructure and public realm projects are progressing across the town. Enabling works on the R132 are helping to unlock future development lands and improve connectivity, including the arrival of the much-awaited MetroLink. Significant enhancements to Main Street and surrounding areas are also underway to help create a more attractive, accessible and people-focused town centre. Upgrades to streets such as Bridge Street and North Street will help enhance the overall public realm, making it easier and more enjoyable for residents and visitors to move through and experience Swords.

The Seatown Road to Estuary Road Active Travel Scheme, which commenced in February 2026, is a key Active Travel infrastructure project in the  programme of improvements across Swords. The scheme will integrate with the public realm works on North Street and the R132 Connectivity Project, supporting a more connected and accessible 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 across Swords are being delivered in carefully planned phases to minimise disruption and ensure steady progress. Enabling works around the perimeter of the Castle are well advanced and have identified previously unrecorded buried features. The historical significance of these finds will be appropriately preserved and, where possible, incorporated into the design of the Cultural Quarter, adding further depth to the town’s historic 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 continue to progress, they will collectively reshape Swords into a more liveable, connected and attractive place, strengthening its role as Fingal’s County Town. The combination of new public spaces, improved infrastructure and modern housing will ensure Swords remains a dynamic destination that meets the needs of a growing population while celebrating its unique heritage.  

Together, these interconnected investments mark a significant step forward in delivering Fingal County Council’s long-term vision for Swords. By combining high-quality public spaces, enhanced infrastructure, new homes and vibrant cultural amenities, this programme of works is creating a modern county town that is inclusive, sustainable and full of opportunity — a place where people can live, work and gather, and one that the community can be proud of for generations to come.