VISITORS and locals in Malahide have received a boost with the commencement of work on a well-known landmark in the town.
Fingal County Council has appointed Francis Haughey Building and Conservation as the main contractor for the redevelopment and extension of the Casino cottage at Dublin Road in Malahide.
The building will provide exhibition rooms for the display of the Fry Model Railway Collection which was previously on display in courtyard buildings at Malahide Castle.
The contractor has recently mobilised on site and the works are scheduled to last up to 11 months for completion in Spring 2019.
The works have been designed and managed by the council’s Architects Department as part of a full design team.
The project has been partly funded by the generous donation of €1.5 million from the late Michael Gaffney of Malahide, while the council is committing a further €1.75 million of funding to deliver the project.
Separately, contractors are to be appointed for the design and construction of the Fry Model Railway collection exhibition.
This process will incorporate modern interactive interpretation and display.
The proposal includes for installation in spring 2019 after completion of the main building works.
The Fry Model Railway collection, which is made up of intricately detailed scale model trains and carriages was handmade in Churchtown by Cyril Fry working between the mid 1930s and his death in 1972. The collection of 360 trains and carriages provide a historic record of Irish transport history.
Chief executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid visited the contractors on site.
“I am delighted that we are investing in the redevelopment of the Malahide Casino,” he said. “The completed project will be significant for Fingal’s Tourism, Heritage and Enterprise sector.
“It will showcase a unique and valuable element of Fingal’s art and culture while still preserving the cottage’s original structure.”
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Mary McCamley also welcomed the beginning of the project.
“The Malahide Casino is a historically important property and the perfect place to exhibit such an interesting collection,” she said. “As is the case with many of Fingal’s culture, heritage and tourism attractions, the Casino Cottage redevelopment is unique and authentic and I look forward to seeing the finished project next year.”
Fingal’s County Architect Fionnuala May said: “The Casino cottage building is a protected structure complete with a thatched roof designed in the Cottage Órne style and forms a significant part of the architectural heritage of Malahide and Fingal.
“The plan for the redevelopment is in line with best conservation practices which will allow the history and significance of the property to be maintained.”
A new single storey contemporary extension for a large exhibition space will also be built to the side and rear of the existing Casino.
Existing trees adjacent to the site including the meadow area at Dublin Road are an important part of the setting of the Casino building including the meadow area at Dublin Road and large trees will be protected throughout the proposed works.