Explorium Criticizes €70 Million Science Centre Plans in Dublin

The planned location for the National Children’s Science Centre (NCSC) in Dublin has drawn criticism from Charlie Kelly, managing director of the privately-owned Explorium. He stated that placing the €70 million facility at Earlsfort Terrace “doesn’t make any sense,” particularly given that another science centre is located just 10 kilometres away. Kelly characterized the decision as a “crazy use of public funds.”

During a session of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC), representatives from Irish Children’s Museum Limited (ICML), the charity responsible for the NCSC, were questioned about the project’s viability. The Office of Public Works (OPW), tasked with delivering the centre, also appeared but revealed that it currently lacks funding for the initiative. PAC chairman John Conlan noted that no government department has stepped up to sponsor the NCSC, which has been under consideration for over two decades.

In 2003, an agreement was made for the OPW to deliver a children’s science museum, but the project was halted by the economic downturn in 2008. Despite this setback, the OPW retains a legal obligation to move forward, having agreed in 2013 to build the centre adjacent to the National Concert Hall (NCH) at Earlsfort Terrace. Following arbitration proceedings initiated by ICML, the OPW was mandated to seek planning permission and commence construction.

The PAC session highlighted that the projected cost for the state stands at approximately €70.4 million by 2024. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General last year noted Explorium’s operations in Sandyford since 2018, suggesting that this might limit demand for a similar attraction in Dublin.

Kelly elaborated on his concerns regarding the city-centre location. He questioned logistical issues, such as where buses for school tours would park, arguing that Explorium, situated “on the edge of the M50,” offers ample parking space for such vehicles. He believes that Explorium could serve as a more suitable solution for the NCSC, claiming it already meets many of the core objectives intended for the new facility.

He proposed a public-private partnership, stating, “We’re open to exploring all avenues.” Kelly emphasized that this collaborative approach could represent the quickest, most cost-effective, and lowest-risk route to achieving the project’s goals. He urged the government to appoint a lead department to coordinate involved parties effectively.

During the PAC meeting, ICML’s chief executive Barbara Galavan outlined the vision for the NCSC at Earlsfort Terrace, which includes three floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and laboratories. She confirmed that ICML has pledged to raise €25 million for the fit-out of the science centre, which will be donated to the state for the benefit of children.

Galavan acknowledged a previous meeting with Explorium but expressed that discussions could not progress meaningfully due to ICML’s commitment to the government. She also pointed out that the OPW has indicated a requirement for an investment of €40 million in the section of the NCH building earmarked for the NCSC, independent of its ultimate purpose.

ICML board member Luke O’Neill expressed support for the Earlsfort Terrace site, stating, “It is in the city centre” and adjacent to the NCH, allowing Ireland to create a unique intersection between the arts and science.

In a formal submission to the PAC, ICML requested that the committee recommend the appointment of a sponsoring department to accelerate progress on the NCSC. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over 20 years, continues to face significant challenges as stakeholders work to find a viable path forward.