Natural Environment

This project will facilitate a sustainable approach to development and placemaking in Swords by drawing on the local context and facilitating nature-based solutions that would improve the public realm.

Whilst the recent upgrade to the riverfront between Church Road and the Castle Shopping Centre has improved connectivity and reduced antisocial behaviour, this remains somewhat fragmented from the Main Street.

Further integration and place-making in this area is particularly important in the context of the Ward River Valley Park and Swords Castle Park. Both of these areas are local destinations for recreation and amenity including organised sports such tennis (i.e. Swords Tennis Club at the back of the Castle and North Street), field sports (including St. Finians’ GAA club and Swords Manor Football Club in the Ward River Valley Park) as well as the playgrounds and walking along the network of existing paths.

Sustainable Swords will seek to enhance access to and appreciation of the natural environment of Swords, enabling those living and working in the town centre to enjoy the natural environment on their doorstep.

Public realm enhancements can facilitate inward investment and generate attractive environments for those that live locally. By catalysing these local opportunities and minimising outflow, a more resilient local economy will be harnessed.

Sustainable Swords would help identify and provide such opportunities whilst balancing the environmental needs to facilitate future development. Any measures identified through this work will seek to support the SDGs, be prioritised in accordance with the obligations of the relevant policy and serve the needs of the local community to ensure a thriving, vibrant consolidated town centre and attractive urban environment that maximises the potential of the local context without exploiting the natural resources.