Main Street 2001

1991 Project

As part of a project in 1991, the boys in the Sixth Class (Mr G. Lynam was their teacher) compared Main Street in 1900 with Main Street in 1991. They used Thom’s Directory and local history notes written by Francis Coleman for the information with regard to 1900, and they surveyed the Main Street for the information with regard to 1991. The most significant finding was that the Main Street has changed completely from being a place where people lived to one where people worked. The number of private residences had dropped appreciably.

2001 Survey

We decided to carry out a similar survey in 2001, and we found that this process has continued. On the side of the street opposite the Fingal County Hall, there are 4 private residences, and 2 of those are for sale because the residents have died during the past year. On the other side of the street, there is one private residence.

Other Changes

The other changes are that the Park has gone, and Fingal County Council Offices are in its place. 61 businesses have changed hands over the past 10 years. A Shopping Mall has been built, and there is also a new Plaza. The Old Borough School will has closed, thus ending almost 200 years of education in this building. It will be interesting to see what our successors will find in 10 years time if they repeat this project.

Main Street, Swords, 2001