OPW approved building of €71m children's science museum, exposing taxpayer to 'unnecessary risk'

The OPW is legally obligated to build a second children’s science museum in Dublin city centre, having agreed to do so in 2003 — despite the fact a privately-owned museum has existed in the capital since 2019. File picture: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie

The Office of Public Works (OPW) had no authority to approve the construction of a €71m National Children’s Science Museum but proceeded regardless, exposing the State to “unnecessary risk”.

The OPW, the body with responsibility for State-owned properties, is legally obligated to build a second children’s science museum in Dublin city centre, having agreed to do so in 2003 — despite the fact a privately-owned museum has existed in the capital since 2019.