Plans submitted for space exploration centre in Co Roscommon

Plans for a new visitor attraction in Co Roscommon focused on space exploration have been submitted to Roscommon County Council.

Metaversal Ltd has sought planning permission to develop a National Space Exploration Centre at a unit in Westpoint Retail Park in Monksland.

As reported by the Roscommon Herald, the proposal includes an interactive space museum, a virtual reality space mission experience, an auditorium, cafe and shop.

The applicants said the new centre will create over 20 jobs, three of which will be full-time positions.

The development is planned to be highly interactive, to "lend towards a more engaging and fun learning experience".

In the planning submission, Metaversal highlighted the "absence of space-related educational facilities in Ireland", adding that the proposed centre aims to "inspire students to pursue careers in the sciences by fostering an interest in this subject through engaging and captivating experiences".

County planners are due to make a decision on the development by July 15th.

* This article was amended at 10.35am on May 28th, 2024.