Safety fencing has been erected around an area of the Ward River Valley known as the Brick Arch. The historical strucuture which is part of an informal trail through the undeveloped area of the park has been deemed structurally unsafe. The council explained this situation as follows: Fingal County Council will erect safety fencing in…
In a major boost for nature restoration in Swords, Fingal County Council have unveiled plans to fully fund its Biodiversity Strategy meaning two major nature projects in the Ward River Valley and the Broadmeadow Estuary will go ahead. Now a plan will be put in place to protect salmon spawning grounds on the Ward River…
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…
A new access path to the Arches at Ushers Lake will begin construction this summer, the council have confirmed. The new access route is needed for more extensive conservation work that is due to take place there in the coming months. The new path will lead from the Brookdale Green area of Rivervalley into the…
Some €200,000 will be spent this year on developing a masterplan for the Ward River Valley Regional Park. The spend, approved by Councillors on Monday, will be used to hire consultants to work on the project and in particular a public consultation planned for later this year. The funding comes from a capital transfer following…
Vegetation in the Ward River Valley is to be removed to provide access to Ushers Lake, in the coming week. In addition to access, there will also be vegetation removed from sensitive architectural features. Swords councillors were informed today the following: It is planned to carry out the second phase of essential vegetation removal in…
A major commitment to develop a necklace of open spaces around Swords and to redevelop the Ward River Valley Regional Park will be contained in the new Fingal Development Plan. Following a motion from Green Party Councillor Ian Carey, Fingal officials last night recommended a strong extra commitment around open spaces which will now be…
New stations that will allow park users to fill their water bottles will be rolled out in the Ward River Valley in Swords. A station will be provided along with the new all weather pitch on the River Valley side and they are looking for other locations within the park with a view to going…
A new and dedicated off-leash area of the Ward River Valley River Valley Park will be fenced off for dog walking, officials told the local area committee. The area will be between the two pedestrian bridges to the east of the park and will include: Double gate entrances at a number of locations Durable hard…
I was 11 years old when I discovered the Old Mill and Ushers Lake down the valley in Swords. The crumbling building of the old mill, dangerous sluice gates and the expanse of genuine wilderness right on our doorstep was an adventurous child’s dream. Close to thirty years later and the amazing thing is how…