James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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306. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update on the construction of the National Children’s Science Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26320/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The development of the National Children's Science Centre at Earlsfort Terrace is the subject of ongoing arbitration between the National Children’s Science Centre and the Commissioners of Public Works.

The Arbitrator issued an interim decision on the 25th June 2022 and found in favour of the applicant, the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd. (The promoter of the National Children's Science Centre). The OPW is contractually bound to be the Contracting Authority for the development and construction of the National Children’s Science Centre.

Following third-party appeals, the OPW was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála on the April 2024 for the development of the National Children's Science Centre on a site within the Earlsfort Terrace complex.

Prior to advancing the project any further, a Government decision will be required to; agree the provision of capital funding, and to appoint a project Sponsoring Agency and Approving Authority.

The Irish Children’s Museum Limited are responsible for the costs associated with the project's exhibition fit-out, the fit-out of its planetarium and the operational costs of the facility.