Council praised for model railway work

FINGAL County Council have been praised for helping to ensure that the Fry Model Railway will return to Malahide.

The model railway, which contains a model of every type of train that ran on the railways of Ireland, will be the centrepiece of a new

?¬2 million tourism development at the site of the old Casino House in the town.

Fáilte Ireland and the council are in the final stages of negotiations over the return of the model railway to Malahide, where it will be open to the public in a purpose-built building next to the old Casino House.

Swords ward councillor Darragh Butler (FF) said:

“Fingal County Council officials put in a lot of work behind the scenes into rescuing this project and they deserve a lot of the credit for this fantastic outcome for Malahide and north county Dublin.

?

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar also welcomed the breakthrough.

“I’m delighted that this matter has finally been resolved,

? he said.

“The Fry Collection and Model Railway will be a valuable addition to the growing range of tourist attractions which Malahide has to offer.

?

Minister Varadkar said it was important to acknowledge the late Michael Gaffney, whose generosity facilitated this development, and whose representatives are working closely with Fingal County Council to finalise arrangements.

He thanked Cllr Anthony Lavin (FG), Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) and Minister for Health James Reilly for their efforts.

The minister also acknowledged Cyril Fry’s lifelong work developing the collection, and thanked his family for their commitment that the collection will be properly looked after and displayed.

“I know the local community has been fully behind the efforts to preserve the Casino House and to bring the Fry collection back to Malahide, and I am delighted that this will now be possible,

? added Minister Varadkar.

Model railway enthusiasts were up in arms last year when the Fry Model Railway was moved from Malahide Castle, which was undergoing a major redevelopment. The exhibition had been housed at the castle since 1988.