Swords in Co Dublin is to be redeveloped as a new "city" with a population of 100,000, nearly the same size as Cork city, under new plans from Fingal County Council.
The new city, which will be 2½ times bigger than the current town, is being built to take advantage of the Metro North, the rail line proposed to connect Dublin city to Dublin airport and Swords by 2013.
The massive population increase is also necessary, the local authority says, to ensure there is a sufficient "critical mass" to make bringing the metro to Swords viable. The council intends to develop the city in tandem with the development of the metro, but it does not expect its population to reach 100,000 for more than 20 years. About 25,000 homes, mostly apartments, will be built under the council's plans, with the majority located in the vicinity of Lissenhall in north Swords where the metro terminus will be located.
The council plans to set aside 200 hectares, currently zoned agricultural land, for residential and commercial development at Lissenhall. The current population of Swords is just under 40,000. Land already zoned for development around the town can accommodate a further 20,000 people with the new land bank at Lissenhall taking 40,000 people.
Six metro stops will be located within the new city from Airside Retail Park, at the south of the current town, to Lissenhall. It is envisaged that the new population of the town will be living in homes no more than 800 metres from a stop. Feeder buses will be established to bring those living further afield to metro stops.
The council also intends to redevelop the old town centre. The main street will be turned into a "pedestrian prioritisation area", with access to vehicles restricted to buses, delivery vehicles and local residents. While the council says its wants to retain the identity of Swords town centre, it also intends to develop a small number of high-rise "landmark buildings" which will reflect the new size and stature of Swords.
The exact size of building will be specified in the Local Area Plan. The council is also seeking new major infrastructure including a third-level institution and a hospital, senior planner Rachel Kenny said. "When compared to towns of similar size, Swords is poorly provided for.
The current population is around the same as Waterford city, yet there is no college or hospital. If we go to 100,000 we'll be nearly the size of Cork, that will clearly generate its own demand for a hospital."
The council is seeking a postgraduate institution, possibly concentrating on the medical/pharmaceutical courses which will serve existing industry and develop new employment. It also intends to develop new schools, a new retail and industrial area, libraries and community facilities. Public consultation on the new plan is open until December 11th.
