Explorium Boss Critiques Location for €70 Million Science Centre

The proposed location for the new €70 million National Children’s Science Centre (NCSC) in Dublin city centre has drawn criticism from Charlie Kelly, managing director of the Explorium science centre. Kelly stated that placing the NCSC at Earlsfort Terrace “doesn’t make any sense,” particularly given the proximity of another science centre located just 10 kilometers away.

Kelly described the decision to build the NCSC at this site as a “crazy use of public funds.” He suggested that Explorium’s facility in Sandyford could serve as a more suitable location for the new centre, proposing a potential public-private partnership. “We’re open to exploring all avenues,” he added, emphasizing Explorium’s willingness to collaborate on this initiative.

His remarks followed a session of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) where representatives of the Irish Children’s Museum Limited (ICML), the charity responsible for the NCSC plans, provided updates. Officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is legally obliged to oversee the development of the NCSC, also attended the meeting. OPW Chairman John Conlan informed the committee that the organisation currently lacks the funding necessary to support the construction of the science centre.

The PAC learned that no government department has stepped forward to sponsor the NCSC project, which has been under consideration for over two decades. The original plan for the centre, established in 2003, was derailed by the economic crash in 2008. Despite the setback, the OPW remains obligated to deliver the facility, as reaffirmed by a 2013 agreement to construct it adjacent to the National Concert Hall (NCH) on Earlsfort Terrace.

A report from the Comptroller and Auditor General last year estimated that the total cost to the State for the NCSC will exceed €70 million by 2024. This figure includes expenses stemming from previous commitments and planning requirements.

In highlighting the logistical challenges of the proposed site, Kelly pointed out that the city-centre location would complicate arrangements for school tours, particularly regarding bus parking. He noted that Explorium’s current location “on the edge of the M50” offers ample parking space for buses, making it a more practical choice for educational visits.

Kelly argued that Explorium is already fulfilling the core objectives intended for the NCSC, stating that a collaborative approach would be the “fastest, most cost-effective and lowest-risk route” to achieving the centre’s goals. He called on the government to appoint a lead department to coordinate the various stakeholders involved in the project.

During the PAC meeting, ICML’s chief executive, Barbara Galavan, detailed ambitious plans for the Earlsfort Terrace site, which include three floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and laboratories. Galavan mentioned that ICML has pledged to raise €25 million for the fit-out of the NCSC, which would be gifted to the State for the benefit of children.

Despite having met with Explorium, Galavan expressed that ICML is unable to engage in in-depth discussions with the organisation due to their commitment to the government. She highlighted the OPW’s assertion that €40 million must be invested in the designated area of the NCH building earmarked for the NCSC, irrespective of its final use.

Luke O’Neill, a board member of ICML, spoke in favor of the Earlsfort Terrace location, describing it as “ideal” due to its central position and proximity to the NCH. He suggested that this site could create a unique opportunity for Ireland to explore the intersection of arts and science.

In a formal submission to the PAC, ICML urged the committee to recommend that the government appoint a sponsoring department to expedite the development of the NCSC, allowing work to commence as soon as possible.