Model railway is on track in Malahide 

FINGAL County Council has announced that the contract for the operation of the Fry Model Railway Museum in Malahide has been awarded to Shannon Heritage.

The restoration and extension of the Casino building in the town was completed in April, paving the way for the installation of the railway to its new permanent home.

The Casino building has been vacant since 2004 but thanks to significant investment from the council, as well as a generous bequest from local resident Michéal Gaffney, it has been restored to its former glory. 

The Casino Model Railway Museum brings to three the number of Fingal County Council Heritage properties managed by Shannon Heritage. 

They have managed Malahide Castle and Gardens since 2012 and took on the management of Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate last year.

The Fry Model Railway was initially constructed in the 1920s-1930s, and developed and modernised to become the largest model railway collection in Europe. The railway includes models of stations, landmarks, locations and Irish landscapes from throughout the 20th century.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said the project is one of the most eagerly anticipated in the Malahide area.

“I am delighted to learn that it will be open to the general public shortly,” he said. 

“The restoration and conservation of the Casino building was completed earlier this year and now, with the awarding of the contract to Shannon Heritage, this wonderful historic building will soon be open for everyone to enjoy. 

“It will be a great addition to the town, not only for local residents but also visitors to the area.

“It is also timely to remember the generous €1.5 million donation from the late Michéal Gaffney towards the restoration of the Casino building. 

“I want to also pay particular tribute to the Malahide group who did a lot of work behind the scenes that helped massively with bringing this project to this point – GV Wright, Colette Smith, Michael Howard, Matt Ryan Jr, Nora Owen, Matt McNulty and Alfie O'Dowd.”

Mayor O’Brien said the attraction will be a wonderful amenity for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“I look forward to officially opening this iconic Malahide landmark to the public later this year,” he added.

Fingal County Council interim chief executive, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “We are delighted that this project has reached another significant milestone with the appointment of Shannon Heritage to manage the operation of the new Casino Model Railway Museum.”

Niall O’Callaghan, managing director of Shannon Group’s tourist attraction company, Shannon Heritage, said they were delighted to have successfully won the contract.