Fingal County Council and Broomfield Construction have officially started work on transforming a rundown 19th century townhouse in Swords. The project will refurbish, convert and extend the old building to create 13 new homes on North Street, right in the centre of the town.
The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary, and the Council’s Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, visited the site in December to mark the beginning of construction. The Council’s architects outlined how the project supports Fingal’s “Town Centre First” goal — which focuses on bringing unused or derelict homes back into use.
Once finished, the development, called North Court, will offer a mix of one bed and two bed homes. This includes three age friendly units and two built to universal design standards. All homes will be allocated to people on the Council’s social housing list.
Urban regeneration is a key part of the Council’s housing strategy, which has received a record €884 million under the 2025–2028 Capital Programme.
North Court is next to another major project — the €40 million Swords Cultural Quarter. This will include a library, theatre, gallery, maker space, arts spaces and a café, all within an iconic new building due to open in 2027. The project also includes improving the area around Swords Castle to create a better public space for events.
By making use of existing services and being close to jobs and public transport, North Court will offer sustainable living for the 38 people who will eventually move in. Turning a semi derelict site into new homes will also help improve the look and feel of the street.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Tom O’Leary commented on the occasion: “I am delighted to turn the sod on North Court Swords which will provide much needed housing, including age friendly homes, in the heart of the town close to all amenities. Developments such as this, which sees the conversion of semi derelict houses into three new homes and additional ten apartments to the rear, contribute to combatting dereliction and breathing life into our town centres”.
