Work is moving forward on the development of Fingal's latest tourist attraction - the Fry Model Railway Museum.

Shannon Heritage has signed on to deliver the project, which will see the recently restored Casino building in Malahide transformed into the new permanent home of the largest model railway collection in Europe.

The museum will house models of stations, landmarks, locations and Irish landscapes from throughout the 20th century.

This project brings the number of Fingal County Council Heritage properties managed by Shannon Heritage to three, alongside Malahide Castle and Gardens, and Newbridge House and Farm in Donabate.

The Casino and Fry Model Railway will open to the public later this year.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O'Brien paid tribute to the late Michéal Gaffney for his €1.5 million donation to the project and the 'Malahide Group' which did a lot of work behind the scenes.

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Fingal County Council Interim Chief Executive, AnnMarie Farrelly added: "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. Since Shannon Heritage took over the management of Malahide Castle and Newbridge House and Farm, both attractions have undergone a transformation in respect of experiences on offer and the volume of visitors each year.

"We look forward to working in partnership with Shannon Heritage and utilising their marketing, relationships and management expertise to develop the Casino Model Railway Museum."

Niall O'Callaghan, Managing Director of Shannon Group's tourist attraction company, Shannon Heritage, commented: "We are delighted to have successfully won the contract to operate the new Casino Model Railway Museum which we see as a natural fit with our existing portfolio of attractions. It is a further vote of confidence in our teams ability to significantly grow visitors to the attractions we have the pleasure of operating and development.

"The Casino will provide a unique experience to railway enthusiasts, families, and locals in Malahide and complements our existing operations in Fingal. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Fingal County Council by establishing the museum as a must see tourist attraction."

(CM/MH)