1.2 Economic Development

1.2   Economic Development 

Fingal has experienced the most rapid population growth of any county in the country, with the population increasing by over 23,000 people between 2011 and 2016.  Swords is designated as a one of four ‘Primary Economic Growth Towns’ within the Greater Dublin Area in the Regional Planning Guidelines.  The Guidelines provide for the long term growth of Swords with a potential population of 100,000 people.

Ongoing growth in the population and workforce within Swords and Fingal will generate significant additional employment opportunities locally.  There is therefore a need to attract and grow large scale, high quality employment in sectors of the economy which will deliver and maintain high quality, stable, long term employment.

The Lissenhall East LAP lands are considered to have the potential to attract significant, high quality employment to Swords capitalising on the growing local and young population, proximity to Dublin Airport, the City Centre and in the future being served by upgraded public transport, including Metro North.

Appropriate urban design, services, car parking provision and amenities will be required to attract large scale employment to the Lissenhall East LAP lands.

• How can significant employers be best attracted to Swords and the Lissenhall East area?
• What level of employment could be provided within Lissenhall East in the short to long term?
• What type of amenities should be provided to meet the needs and demands of future employees?
• Is there a need to link the development of the Lissenhall East LAP lands with the provision of infrastructure?
• Is there a benefit to phasing the development of the Lissenhall East LAP and if so, how should the development be phased?