THE first step in the major development of west Swords has been taken with the local authority commencing the public consultation process regarding the future of more than 100 hectares of land.

Fingal County Council has begun the preparation of a local area plan (LAP) for the Oldtown and Mooretown areas and the observers have been invited to make submissions ahead of its composition. Some 50.43 hectares are located in the Oldtown area, with a further 61.07 hectares in Mooretown and the council is looking to develop 'a place where people can live, work, recreate and access local services in a welldefined area'.

That's according to its 'Strategic Vision for Swords', published in 2008 as a forerunner for future LAPs.

The lands are currently zoned 'RS1' which aims to provide for 'new residential communities in accordance with approved local area plans and subject to the provision of the necessary infrastructure'.

The appropriate density, mix and disposition of uses, urban design and landscaping framework, pedestrian, cycle and vehicular access routes, public transportation, community facilities, including schools and childcare, and water and drainage infrastructure are amongst the main issues to be addressed.

Key principals set out in the vision for the Mooretown plans include a mix of residential units with a density of 14 to 20 per acre and a district centre, housing a large convenience store, retail services, and civic and community facilities. A school campus site is also planned for to accommodate both primary and secondary education, while the current County Development Plan makes provisions for the development of the Oldtown-Mooretown Western Distributor Road as part of a number of local road improvements to facilitate the development. A map outlining the lands is on display at County Hall and Swords Library.