Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)

The OPW seems to be pressing ahead with a national children's science centre costing between €70 million and €100 million, despite the existence of a near duplicate facility in Sandyford, which is just 10 km away from the site of the proposed new centre. I am sure the Minister of State is familiar with Explorium, a world-class and fully operational science centre which has repeatedly offered to collaborate with the Irish Children's Museum Company Limited and the OPW. Yet, Explorium's promoters have faced a persistent lack of engagement from both parties, raising serious questions about duplication, value for money and the stewardship of public funds. How can the OPW justify proceeding with a €70 million project when a proven, larger and highly successful science centre already exists nearby and has actively sought to collaborate?