Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell and Fine Gael Councillor Anthony Lavin, in conjunction with Bord Fáilte and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, have successfully secured the future of the Casino with the welcome announcement that the Fry Model Railway Museum will be housed at the historical building.
Commenting on the significant work that has gone into securing this project, Deputy Farrell said “I, along with my colleague Anthony Lavin, have been working very hard behind the scenes to ensure that Malahide would not lose this fantastic opportunity, made possible by the extraordinary donation from the late Micheál Gaffney.
Cllr Lavin acknowledged the importance of this development, adding that ‘This announcement is an extraordinary success for Malahide, its residents, Fingal County Manager and senior staff in the Department of Transport and Tourism, and for those of us who have been working quietly and consistently on this project. However it is a particular success for the late Micheál Gaffney and the trustees who have represented his wish to have Fry Model Railway back in Malahide.”
Deputy Farrell concluded, ‘I am aware the significant part that Malahide residents played in bringing the Fry Railway Museum home. I am very much looking forward to seeing the realisation of this project, and the securing of a unique and worthwhile attraction that will be part of the history and future of Malahide.”
The project has four major components:
The construction of a new museum building to house the Fry Model Railway and other children’s and educational displays, a shop and visitor toilets;
The restoration, preservation and conservation of the historic Casino House thatched building;
The professional conservation of the Fry models, the upgrading of the presentation, and particularly the interpretation of the Fry Collection and the layout;
The treatment of the site as a heritage, educational and recreational amenity for the community of Malahide.