Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 48 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the original planning permission for the Irish Children's Museum project, know as the National Children's Science Centre, at Earlsfort Terrace expired on 9th November 2021 and the Office of Public Works had sought an extension from Dublin City Council which was refused under current planning regulations. A new planning application is currently being prepared by the Office of Public Works and will be submitted in the near future to Dublin City Council.

As the arbitration hearing is still not fully finalised and discussions ongoing between the two sides, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the cost of the arbitration to date at this stage.

Since 2015 the Office of Public Works has spent €500,000 on the appointment of a Design Team and associated consultants covering the National Children's Science Centre and the development of a detailed master plan for the entire Earlsfort Terrace campus incorporating both the National Concert Hall and the National Children's Science Centre, costs to date also include surveys, opening up and other works associated with preparation and submission of a planning application. I wish to also advise the Deputy that the matter of expenditure incurred by other Departments on this project is a matter for those Departments concerned.