Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will provide an update regarding the completion of the national children's science centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36546/25]

Kevin Moran (Longford-Westmeath, Independent)
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The National Children's Science Centre (NCSC) project is being promoted by the Irish Children’s Museum Ltd. (ICML).

The development of the project is the subject of an ongoing arbitration between the NCSC and the Commissioners of Public Works. Consistent with an interim decision of the Arbitrator, the OPW is bound to be the Contracting Authority for the development of the project.

The OPW was granted planning permission by An Bord Pleanála in April 2024 for development of the project 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 for the project.

The ICML will be responsible for the costs associated with the project's exhibition fit-out and the operational costs of the facility.