Explorium Director Critiques Planned Location for New Science Centre

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

Kelly described the proposed location as a “crazy use of public funds,” highlighting the logistical challenges it would pose for school tours. He noted that Explorium’s facility in Sandyford, which has been operational since 2018, offers ample parking space for buses, making it a more practical option. “We’re open to exploring all avenues,” Kelly remarked, indicating a potential for a public-private partnership to bring the NCSC to Sandyford.

His comments followed a session on Thursday with the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC), where representatives from the Irish Children’s Museum Limited (ICML), the charity behind the NCSC project, presented their case. Officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is legally obligated to oversee the NCSC’s construction, also attended the meeting. OPW Chairman John Conlan informed the committee that the organization currently lacks funding to advance the project.

The NCSC has been under consideration for over 20 years, with an agreement dating back to 2003 committing the OPW to deliver a children’s science museum. However, the original plan was derailed by the economic crash of 2008. A revised agreement in 2013 called for the construction of the NCSC adjacent to the National Concert Hall (NCH) on Earlsfort Terrace. Despite this, no government department has stepped forward to sponsor the project, which is now estimated to cost the state approximately €70.4 million by 2024.

The Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on the NCSC noted that Explorium’s existing presence in Sandyford could limit the demand for another similar attraction in Dublin. Kelly emphasized the advantages of a collaborative approach, stating that it represents the “fastest, most cost-effective and lowest-risk route” to achieving the objectives set for the NCSC.

During the PAC meeting, ICML’s chief executive Barbara Galavan outlined plans for the proposed NCSC, which would include three floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and laboratories. Galavan confirmed that ICML has committed to raising €25 million for the centre’s fit-out, which will be donated to the State for the benefit of children.

Galavan acknowledged previous discussions with Explorium but indicated that meaningful conversations are challenging since ICML’s commitment lies with the government. She also revealed that the OPW has indicated that €40 million must be invested in the section of the NCH earmarked for the NCSC, regardless of its end use.

Luke O’Neill, a board member of ICML, defended the choice of the Earlsfort Terrace site, asserting that its central location next to the NCH would create a unique intersection between the arts and science in Ireland. In a formal submission to the PAC, ICML requested that the committee recommend to the government the appointment of a sponsoring department to expedite the NCSC’s development.