Explorium Director Critiques Proposed National Science Centre Location

The planned location for the National Children’s Science Centre (NCSC) in Dublin city centre is being challenged by Charlie Kelly, the managing director of Explorium, a privately-owned science centre. Kelly described the choice of Earlsfort Terrace for the proposed facility, estimated to cost €70 million, as “not making any sense.” He raised concerns over the practicality of the location given the proximity of another science centre, just 10 kilometres away.

Kelly argued that constructing the NCSC at the chosen site would represent a “crazy use of public funds.” Instead, he suggested that the NCSC could be built at Explorium’s existing facility in Sandyford as part of a potential public-private partnership. “We’re open to exploring all avenues,” he stated, highlighting the advantages of utilizing the established infrastructure at Explorium.

His comments followed a session on Thursday during which the Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard from representatives of the Irish Children’s Museum Limited (ICML), the charity responsible for advancing the NCSC project. Officials from the Office of Public Works (OPW), which is legally obligated to facilitate the construction of the NCSC, also provided testimony. OPW Chairman John Conlan informed the committee that there was currently no funding available for the science centre.

The PAC was informed that no government department has agreed to sponsor the NCSC project, which has been in consideration for more than two decades. An agreement made in 2003 stipulated that the OPW would oversee the development of a children’s science museum. However, plans were halted following the economic downturn in 2008. Despite this setback, the OPW remains bound by legal obligations to deliver the centre, with a new agreement established in 2013 to construct the facility adjacent to the National Concert Hall (NCH) at Earlsfort Terrace.

Recent arbitration proceedings involving ICML mandated that the OPW seek planning permission and move forward with construction. The PAC has previously estimated that by 2024, the government’s financial commitment to the project could reach approximately €70.4 million. A report from the Comptroller and Auditor General last year noted that Explorium’s operation in Sandyford since 2018 may limit the demand for another similar attraction in Dublin.

Kelly emphasized the logistical challenges of the proposed city-centre location, questioning the feasibility of accommodating buses for school tours. He noted that Explorium’s location at the edge of the M50 provides ample parking space, making it a more practical choice. “We’d be a much more preferable solution,” he claimed, asserting that Explorium is already fulfilling the core objectives intended for the national science centre.

At the PAC meeting, ICML’s Chief Executive Barbara Galavan outlined plans for the NCSC to include three floors of interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and laboratories. She stated that ICML has committed to raising €25 million for the centre’s fit-out, which would be donated to the State for the benefit of children. Galavan mentioned that while she has engaged with Explorium, meaningful discussions have been limited due to ICML’s commitment to the government.

Galavan also pointed out that the OPW has indicated that €40 million must be invested in the portion of the NCH designated for the NCSC, regardless of its ultimate use. Luke O’Neill, an ICML board member, defended the Earlsfort Terrace site as ideal, emphasizing its central location and proximity to the NCH. He noted the potential for a unique arts-science interface that could benefit the community.

In a formal submission to the PAC, ICML has requested that the committee recommend appointing a sponsoring department to expedite progress on the NCSC project. As discussions continue, the future of the National Children’s Science Centre remains uncertain, with differing opinions on the best course of action for delivering this long-discussed initiative.