Shannon Aviation Museum has submitted a planning application to Clare County Council for works at its site in Smithstown. The application covers the extension of one building and the construction of four additional structures. These changes form part of efforts to develop facilities at the interactive learning hub aviation museum and discovery centre.
The submission reached the council in recent weeks. Public submissions on the plans remain open until 9 December. Council staff will then review the application before members reach a decision in early January.
The museum operates from premises on Link Road in Shannon town. It opened in 2007 under the Irish Aviation Foundation. The site houses displays of aircraft and aviation artefacts. Visitors access flight simulators and guided tours. School groups take part in education programmes on flight physics and engineering.
Council records list the proposed works under planning reference 25/1234. The extension measures 150 square metres. The new buildings total 400 square metres. Internal modifications include space for additional exhibits and visitor areas. External features comprise pathways and parking for 20 vehicles. The application estimates a project cost of €750,000.
Museum manager Jane Magill stated the works will increase capacity for school visits. Current annual attendance stands at 15,000. The site employs 12 staff members. Revenue comes from ticket sales at €12 per adult and €8 per child. Group bookings account for 40 per cent of income.
Local representatives have noted the application. Shannon town councillor Pat Hayes described the museum as a resource for the community. He pointed to its links with Technological University of the Shannon. The university provides support for student projects at the site.
Clare County Council received 25 planning applications in the past week. Eight relate to commercial developments. The council processed 1,200 applications in the year to October. Decisions on tourism-related plans average 60 days.
The museum maintains ties with the Irish Air Corps. A display hall opened in 2022 with aircraft from the corps collection. The site hosts events such as the AerCap TY Aviation Academy in November. This programme runs for one week and accepts 16 secondary school students. Participants meet pilots and engineers. The academy charges a €50 administration fee.
Submissions on the Shannon application may reach the council by post or email. Address details appear on the council website. Late submissions receive no consideration.
The planning process follows guidelines from the Department of Housing. Applications must meet standards on traffic impact and environmental effects. The council requires reports on drainage and ecology for sites over 300 square metres.
Shannon town forms part of the Shannon Airport agglomeration. The airport handled 1.9 million passengers in 2024. Airport operations generate 5,000 jobs in the region. The museum draws visitors from airport tour groups.
Council planners will inspect the site next month. A report will follow for the December meeting. Approval would allow works to start in spring. Construction would last six months.
The application includes drawings and site layouts. These documents sit in the council offices in Ennis. Members of the public may view them during hours of 9am to 5pm.
