A plan to increase, or stabilise, the population of otter, kingfisher, dipper, bats, salmon, brown trout and badger in the Ward River Valley is now part of Phase 1 of the Fingal Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2030. This plan, which was originally unfunded and effectively shelved, is now one of the first 20 projects prioritised in…
The small room above the arch at Swords Castle, known as the Gatehouse, could be open to the public as part of a second phase of works on the Knights and Squires building. Works to conserve the Knights and Squires building is currently underway and will continue to July. The aim of this phase of…
Some remarkable images of what the Ward River Valley as it will look should the proposed three projects were unveiled at a webinar this week. The three projects – the sports hub in Brackenstown, the Walled Garden restoration, and the historic canal rewetting – are all proposed as part of the first phase of projects…
St Columba’s Church and Round Tower received notice this week that they are one of 95 heritage projects that will receive funds under the Community Monuments Fund. Some €120,000 will go towards phase two conservation works at the heritage site and will include repointing eroded masonry the removal of unstable floor remnants. Welcoming the funding,…
Only a fool would make predictions – especially about the future. So the saying goes. But there are a number of really positive signs that over the next four years the county town of Swords will see major and transformative investment, that it has so badly needed for so long. Here is the list: Swords…
Sustainability and biodiversity are the themes of National Heritage Week 2022 which kicks off this Saturday. Over the course of the week there will be 1,300 events going ahead around the country to celebrate our rich natural, built and cultural heritage. Some highlights from this year’s National Heritage Week programme in the Swords Local Electoral…
It’s far from a polished visitor attraction but despite this Swords Castle was found to be third most visitied or recommended attraction amongst Fingal residents. In a finding that clearly points to untapped potential of the historic monument, Swords Castle has been visited by 32% of those surveyed – ahead of Newbridge House and Ardgillan…
It will be over a decade from when the Masterplan for the Swords Cultural Quarter was first voted through by councillors until it is completed, latest details reveal The latest progress update on the Swords Cultural Quarter has put a likely completion time for early 2026. First approved in 2015 it will mean that by…
The Round Tower and St Columbas Church in Swords have received the maximum grant of €85,000 under the Community Monuments Fund. The money will help fund repair and conservation works to the two structures. St Columba’s Church has had well documented problems with its roof. The main aims of the Community Monuments Fund are the…
Fingal County Council are going to tender this month for conservation and improvement works to Swords Castle. The new works will involved improvements to the area known as ‘Knights and Squires’ which is to the left of the castle gate, as you look at it from Main St. It is understood the works will involve…