Planning permission has been logged for a new space exploration museum in South Roscommon. Metaversal Ltd is seeking to construct the development at a unit in the Westpoint Retail Park in Roscommon. The interactive high tech development would provide 3 full time jobs and 19 part time jobs should it get the go ahead.
According to the plans submitted to Roscommon County Council, the National Space Exploration Centre would comprise of a space themed educational and recreational facility in an existing warehouse outside of Athlone. The developer behind the application has branded the N.S.E.C would be the home of space education and exploration in Ireland with an interactive space museum, virtual reality space mission and event area included in the plans.
The virtual reality ride in the proposal describes the attraction as a roller coaster which will simulate take-off, orbit of earth and landing back down to the planet. The application also includes plans for a café, merchandising store, a new bus parking bay and bicycle shelters. Metaversal Ltd are also intending to install solar panels to the roof area and have also indicated they would intend to apply for Just Transition Funding.
According to planning documents, the museum would feature up to 45 exhibitions and is designed to communicate how important our planet is, highlighting the positive and negative impact which human activity has on the world. The Museum expects that a significant amount of attendees would come from school tours and students, with plans for the facility to also host educational events and talks should planning be granted. County planners will decide on the application in July
