In the presence of the newly elected Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, the contracts were signed at County Hall in Swords. AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, and Seamus and David Duggan, Joint Managing Directors of Duggan Brothers (Contractors) Ltd, officiated the signing.
Enabling works, initiated on site in April 2023, are expected to be completed by the end of July, paving the way for construction to begin 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.
2027.
The works contract also includes the construction of 36 new homes along Seatown Road, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Housing For All initiative. Additionally, the Council has received a €3 million grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development for the new County Library and will cover the remaining costs of the Cultural Centre from its own resources.
-- Advertisement --
Enabling works on the site, ongoing since April 2023, are set to be completed by the end of July. Duggan Brothers will begin construction in August, with completion expected by the end of 2026 and the new Cultural Centre scheduled to open in 2027.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Brian McDonagh, stated: "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."
Established in 1923, Duggan Brothers have extensive experience across all sectors of the construction industry. They are renowned for their high standards and professional, dedicated approach. Their recent projects include 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 initiatives outlined in the Sustainable Swords Strategy, a crucial component of Fingal County Council’s plan. This strategy aims to ensure that as Swords expands, it grows sustainably, improving the quality of life in the county's capital.
