Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2017
87. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the partners from the commercial sector of the economy that are involved with the Office of Public Works in the plans for the development of the children’s science museum exploration station proposed for the Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens site. [49680/17]
View answer88. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will report on the process by which the Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens site was selected by the OPW as the most suitable for the development of the children’s science museum exploration station; if the OPW received representations from third parties regarding the choice of site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49681/17]
View answer89. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will publish a schedule of those philanthropic donors, foundations and corporations which have to date committed to supporting the OPW’s proposed national children’s science centre exploration station to be developed at Earlsfort Terrace, the National Concert Hall and the Iveagh Gardens. [49683/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 87 to 89, inclusive, together.
The information sought by the Deputy is currently being addressed. A detailed response will issue to the Deputy directly.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your recent Parliamentary Questions In relation to the above.
The main Organisation driving the National Children’s Science Centre project is the Irish Children’s Museum Company Limited by Guarantee. Its Board Is liaising with a variety of commercial entities with regard to the finandng of the exhibition.
The process of site selection included Issues such as good access to public transport, economic and cultural benefits, urban and historic building renewal, synergies with other cultural Institutions and availability. The vacant North Wing of the former University College Dublin. Earlsfort Terrace complex met these criteria, offered synergies with the National Concert Hall, was in state ownership and readily available. The OPW had no formal representations from third parties during the process of site selection. The OPW subsequently informed a variety of third parties of the proposal for a National Children’s Science Centre on the Earisfort Terrace complex site.
The Irish Children’s Museum Ltd. through its Board, is raising philanthropic funds for the interactive exhibition. The OPW does not have a schedule of their philanthropic donors.
