Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
634. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the OPW Chair, senior officials, or the Minister have visited Explorium since it fully reopened in May 2024 in-person to assess its facilities in the context of OPW plans to build a second science centre 10km away from Explorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19328/25]
View answer635. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform whether the value-for-money analysis on the National Children’s Science Centre has started yet; when he expects this analysis to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19329/25]
View answer636. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the Government Department responsible for funding future operational expenses of the National Children’s Science Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19330/25]
View answer637. Deputy Shay Brennan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if the OPW has sought independent expert analysis to ensure the proposed new National Children’s Science Centre will not replicate exhibits already available at Explorium, as referenced by (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19331/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 634, 635, 636 and 637 together.
The OPW have a contractual obligation to construct the National Science Centre in accordance with the terms of the legal agreement with Irish Children’s Museum Ltd. This agreement pre-dates the development of ‘Explorium’.
Any value for money exercise to be undertaken on National Children’s Science Centre will need to be undertaken by an Approving Authority. The OPW will be undertaking the role of the Contracting Authority.
The operational expenses associated with the National Children Science Centre are the responsibility of the Irish Children’s Science Museum Ltd.
The design and exhibition fitout of the National Children’s Science Centre under the 2013 legal agreement is the responsibility of the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd. (ICML). Any queries associated with the nature or content of the NCSC exhibition fitout should be directed towards ICML.
Neither the Minister or the Chairman have visited Explorium since it re-opened.
