The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) will provide funding to Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum to support its expansion. The expansion project is an ambitious reimaging of the existing museum, upgrading and expanding the existing Museum to enable new visitor flow and upgraded interpretations. It will create an additional viewing gallery, a children’s gallery, a 112 seater cinema, archival and library space and conference facilities. The project will significantly enhance the museum to create an internationally significant tourism attraction. The total projected cost of the development is €4,218,709.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established to deliver on the National Strategic Objective in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and will be rolled out over a 10-year period. The Fund is administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Fund provides investment to support suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas, which will deliver on the National Strategic Objective of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and achieve sustainable economic and social development in these areas. To date, the Fund has provided €243 million for 163 projects across Ireland, worth a total of €326 million.
A spokesperson for the museum said: “We are thrilled to receive confirmation of a grant of €1.5 million from the RRDF Funding under Category 1 Projects. This together with our previous grant aid of €1.75 million from the Dept of Tourism, Culture & Arts means the project can now proceed shortly. Many thanks to Limerick City & County Council and all who helped us in getting this over the line.”
