Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
231. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the date the arbitration process in relation to the National Children Science Centre started; the date the arbitration process finished; the date a decision on the arbitration process is expected; the next steps following the arbitration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34309/22]
View answerThe National Children’s Science Centre Arbitration was initiated in January 2020 and hear evidence on seven days between July and October 2021. The Arbitrator, Mr Eoin McCullagh S.C. has issued his decision on the 25th June 2022 and found in favour of the applicant, the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd (ICML), under acting-chairman, Michael Collins S.C. Subject to clarification of planning permissions, the Arbitrator has issued an interim award of Specific Performance of the agreements requiring the construction of the centre in the northern end of the Earlsfort Terrace complex by the OPW, on behalf of the State. The determination will be reviewed, and my Office will consider the findings and engage further with the ICML, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media and all other parties involved in the process to identify the appropriate next steps.
