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16th April 2013 • Volume 20, Issue 13 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. • Tel: 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie
Demand For Action The news that the Swords barber has surrendered his lease to the County Council is widely seen as the final obstacle to the County Council’s plans to finally open up Swords Castle from the North Street side of the town. However, when asked by this early stage to advise the County Leader when what the future plans for work was likely to this area are.” commence on the demo- This has prompted lition of the buildings, Swords councillors to which were preventing demand that something the opening up of the be done immediately castle, the response was, and that a commitment that “It is not possible at be forthcoming from the
Swords Man Bids For ‘Mr. Personality’ Title County Leader
EXCLUSIVE Swords man, Richard Fleming is about to make a name for himself later this week, when he represents Dublin in this year’s Macra na Feirme Mr. Personality contest. Twenty two year old Richard, who lives on Richard Fleming Rathbeale Road in Swords is a member of North County Macra. He was flabbergasted when he was selected to represent his county at the prestigious event, which will take place in Kilkenny on Friday, 19th and Saturday, 20th April. Speaking to the County Leader, Richard explained how the whole thing came about. “I’m a new member of Macra, having heard about the organisation from my cousins. They encouraged me to join. I’m not from a farming background, although my parents are. I put the idea to the back of my mind. Then I decided to attend one of the local meetings in Swords and at that meeting, I decided to join up.” “It was after attending the local meetings that I decided to enter the Mr. Personality competition for the fun of it, but never thought I would be selected. “He went on to explain that there is a popular misconception that you have to be from a farming background to join Macra. “You don’t need to have any knowledge of farming to join,” the DIT student said. He is unsure about what to expect at the convention. “I believe that they ask you about your most embarrassing moments and quiz you about your hobbies and about yourself. “It’s a bit like doing your driving test - you don’t know exactly what’s around the corner,” said the affable Richard. There will be 26 contestants in the final on Saturday night and, despite the presence of some very stiff opposition, Richard is confident of bringing home the title of Mr Personality to Swords at the weekend. The prize for winning is a trophy, as well as a small cash prize.
local authority. Cllr Tom Kelleher told the County Leader that, “a joint motion from the Swords councillors demanding that the momentum is kept going and that the castle be opened up immediately.” Kelleher has been very vocal in the past about the need to demolish the buildings that are in Council ownership, that are blocking the views of the castle to passing motorists and pedestrians. Up to now, this has not been possible, as the barber’s lease was not finished. Now this has all changed. Kelleher said, “We now demand that Swords Castle be exposed. It costs nothing to demolish these buildings, except for the cost of removing the rubbish.”
By Patrick Finnegan they claim that the presence of these derelict buildings is having an adverse affect on business. This area has been
Cllr. Tom Kelliher
neglected for many years and is seen as a continuation of the vacant buildings on the northern end of neighbouring Main Street. They feel that this is having a detrimental effect on business in the town and
ings. Motorists, including visitors accessing Main Street from North Street, are likely to be delayed in traffic at this busy junction and some of these could be potential investors in the town. The first impression many of them will have of the town are these buildings and the ones on Main Street as well. Many regard it as strange that these buildings, which are in the shadow of County Hall, have been allowed to stay and that no action has been taken by the powers that be to remove them. Instead of having to look at dreary buildings, viewing the castle from this vantage point would be regarded as a pleasant site for motorists as
The derelict buildings on North Street, Swords which form a visual link to the vacant business units on Main Street.
Local business people have long been very critical about the southern end of North Street and
that the local authority now has the opportunity to break this continuing link of derelict build-
they pass by or wait in traffic. Swords has grown very rapidly in the recent
Pictured is critically acclaimed clown, Eric Davis, who features on the cover of a new book called ‘Clown Through Mask’, written by Veronica Coburn and Sue Morrison, which launches at the Draiocht Theatre, Blanchardstown on 24th April.
past, and is a town that attracts visitors from all over the country, most notably on St Patrick’s Day, where the large parade attracted people from far and wide. Residents, who spoke to this newspaper pointed out that this is the year of the Gathering and would be an opportune time to further develop this project. This would be seen as a vital step towards the regeneration of Swords Castle as a major tourist attraction for visitors and as a public amenity and event venue to be enjoyed by all.
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