Duggans appointed to construct major Swords Cultural Quarter and residential projects

Another major milestone in the development of the Swords Cultural Quarter was reached today with the appointment of Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd as the building contractor for the construction of the new Cultural Centre and residential developments at Seatown Road, Swords.

In the presence of the newly elected Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, the contracts were signed in County Hall, Swords, by Fingal County Council Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly and the Joint Managing Directors of Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd, Seamus and David Duggan.

Enabling works, which began on site in April 2023, are due to conclude by the end of July with construction scheduled to commence in mid-August.

The overall development, which will cost in excess of €60m, provides for the construction of a Cultural Centre containing a new County Library and a 165 seat theatre along with an art gallery, arts spaces, a maker space and a café. Significant upgrade works will be carried out on North Street to create an enhanced public realm creating a link between the Cultural Centre and Swords Castle.

The works contract also includes the construction of 36 new homes along Seatown Road with the funding for the housing development being provided by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through Housing For All.

The Council has also received a grant of €3m towards the new County Library from the Department of Rural and Community Development and will meet the balance of the costs of the Cultural Centre from its own resources.

Enabling works on the site, which have been ongoing since April 2023, will be completed by the end of July and Duggans will move onto the site in August to commence construction. This will be completed by the end of 2026 with the new Cultural Centre scheduled to open in 2027.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, said: “As a councillor I have watched this project evolve from the concept stage to the point where construction is now about to commence. This will be a building, not just for Swords, but for the whole of Fingal and is an example of the Council’s determination to ensure that community infrastructure is put in place to cater for our growing population.”

The Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Annmarie Farrelly, said: “The Swords Cultural Quarter is a key part of our plan to enhance and invigorate Swords town centre and to deliver a county library and a theatre as well as major public realm improvements. We appreciate the financial support of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Rural and Community Affairs towards the overall project.  I would also like to thank our own councillors for their strong support for the project from its inception and for their help in delivering this significant investment for Swords. This will be a spectacular cultural facility that will be used by residents and visitors alike and it will also provide 36 new homes.”

Seamus Duggan, Joint Managing Director of Duggan Brothers, said: “This is a very significant project and is a key part of the development and enhancement of Swords and the county of Fingal. We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious project and we look forward to working with the design team and Fingal County Council in making this a reality.”

Founded in 1923, Duggan Brothers have considerable experience across all sectors of the construction industry and have a reputation for high standards and a professional, hardworking approach. Among their most recent projects are the new National Forensic Science Laboratories, the Irish Stock Exchange and the Samuel Beckett Civic Campus Facility.

The Swords Cultural Centre has been designed by award-winning architects O’Donnell and Tuomey. Their previous work includes the Central European University in Budapest,  the Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork and the Lyric Theatre in Belfast.

The Swords Cultural Quarter project is one of 16 contained in the Sustainable Swords Strategy which is a key part of Fingal County Council’s plan to ensure that, as Swords continues to expand, the town grows sustainably and provides a quality of life befitting the county’s capital. 

For more information on the Swords Cultural Quarter project go to www.fingal.ie/swordsculturalquarter