Planning permission has been approved for a new visitor attraction focusing on space education and exploration in the midlands.
The plans for a National Space Exploration Centre (NSEC) in Monksland, Athlone have been approved by Roscommon County Council with eight conditions attached.
The applicant, Metaversal Ltd, is proposing a space themed educational and recreational facility in an existing warehouse that was formerly used for leisure use.
In the planning statement, the applicant outlines the NSEC would feature an immersive and interactive space museum, a virtual reality (VR) space mission and an event area with an adjoining café.
The proposed museum features up to 45 exhibitions communicating how important the planet is, and highlighting the positive and negative impact which human activity has on the planet.
This is the first step in the process for the developers who are seeking funding through the EU Just Transition Grant Aid Scheme.
