Alcock and Brown museum seeks clearance for take-off

Plans for a museum at Cleggan airstrip – celebrating the history of the first transatlantic flight – are awaiting Government clearance for take-off.

The Clifden-based Museum of Transatlantic History Development Group wants to build a facility to highlight the connection between Connemara and the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919 by British aviators, John Alcock and Arthur Brown.

Philanthropist Seán Mulryan of Ballymore Homes has indicated financial support for the project.

Backers of the proposed museum at the vacant Cleggan Aerodrome predict it could attract 500,000 visitors each year.

They met last November with Minister Heather Humphreys, whose Department of Rural and Community Development owns the land, and Minister of State at Cabinet, Hildegarde Naughton, a Galway West Fine Gael TD, who both indicated support for the project.

Pre-planning discussions have also taken place with Galway County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Because the site is owned by the State, Departmental approval is required to proceed to seek planning permission.

The group told the Connacht Tribune that they are awaiting this approval.

“This community project will attract national and global visitors as well as serving the local community of Clifden, Cleggan and surrounding Connemara areas,” according to the proposal document.

See the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download the digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie