Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens marks start of work on WWII Trainer Dome in Aghanloo

Last week, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, attended a ceremonial sod cutting to mark the next stage in the restoration of Northern Ireland’s only World War II RAF ‘Trainer Dome’ at Aghanloo. The £1 million project will conserve the historic building and transform it into a multi-purpose community facility.

The rare Dome, one of only six in the UK, is situated on the former RAF Limavady site and played a significant role in the ‘Battle of the Atlantic’ during the Second World War.

The Trainer Dome is scheduled to open in Autumn 2026 and will provide a facility to tell the story of Lough Foyle and the North-West during WWI and WWII through immersive projection technology. The project also forms part of the developing Atlantic Defence Trail, which will see further conservation work and improved public access to other defence heritage sites along the Northern Ireland coast.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said: “Council is delighted to see work beginning on the World War II RAF ‘Trainer Dome’ project in Aghanloo.

“The site has played an important role in the island’s history, and this work will not only preserve the building, but also recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by many local people during World War II.

“Future plans for the site, which include a multi-purpose community event space, will be beneficial for the entire community and a welcome addition for many generations to come.”

The milestone was also welcomed by project partners and funders. Works at the site are being carefully planned to ensure the long-term preservation of the structure while providing a safe and engaging space for the public.

Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are so pleased to see the development of this unique defence heritage project as part of our commitment to the delivery of the Binevenagh and Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership. The conservation of the Second World War Training Dome is a flagship project which offers both visitors and local people the opportunity to learn more about the history and heritage of the landscape.

“We are looking forward to seeing the works progress and the exciting ways that this space will engage people. Thanks to National Lottery players we are able to support the training dome project which will provide a sustainable future for this important monument.”

Contractor Devity Contract Service’s Sean Warnock outlined the next stages of work at the site: “Over the coming months, works will progress to include access improvements, drainage and service installations, alongside the conservation and refurbishment of the Dome structure itself. This will involve specialist structural steelwork, installation of a new tensile fabric covering, and associated internal and external repairs, all carried out in line with the requirements of a scheduled monument.

“We are proud to be delivering this project in close collaboration with the design team and stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on safety, heritage sensitivity and quality, as we help secure the long-term future of this unique structure for the local community.”

Updates on the project will be available via the Binevenagh & Coastal Lowlands Landscape Partnership Scheme Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/binevenaghandcoastallowlands

The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from National Lottery players, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, marking the culmination of a seven-year programme of engagement with the local community and heritage experts.