Some 62 acres, zoned for residential, are now up for sale with a potential price tag of €46.5m.
The area, which is located between the Rathbeale Rd and Swords Manor, has been earmarked for development for over a decade with no homes delivered.
The lands were part of a Local Area Plan, known as the Mooretown Oldtown LAP, which was adopted by Fingal County Council in 2010.
It is reported that the land could cost a developer around €750,000 per acre. The site will be put to market by way of public tender if not previously sold.
Cllr Ian Carey said:
“I’m sorry to see such a substantial land bank, which has been long planned for housing, is not already in the hands of someone willing to build. It’s unfortunate because it means we are still a long way away from that land being developed and right now we need every bit of residential land delivering for those in need of homes. That area is also needed to provide vital walking and cycling links between Swords Community College and the rest of Swords.
“The increased cost will also no doubt mean that any future developer will need to maximise the number of units and this could mean higher densitites or less open space than was originally planned. As part of the original Local Area Plans there were two substantial parks to be delivered in the area – Glasmore Green, which would link to the Lios Cian open space, and Rathbeale Park, which would border the Rathbeale Road. I hope that these amenities are kept in any future development as maintaining and improving open space and amenities is critical for the developement of Swords.
“It cannot be the case that Swords is expected to take the bulk of new housing while other areas benefit from greater amenities. Population and public services need to go hand-in-hand to create vibrant, sustainable, and liveable communities.”
