PAC advises OPW to carry out 'comprehensive assessment' of abandoning children's science centre

When agreement was first reached to begin the project in 2003, the centre was expected to cost €14.3m. In the intervening years, the estimated cost has ballooned to over €70.4m

In the report, the PAC calls for the National Children’s Science Centre to 'consider the wider public interest in pursuit of their mission', despite the legal entitlements of the consortium behind the project, Irish Children’s Museum Limited. File picture: 3ddesignbureau.com

The Office of Public Works (OPW) should undertake a “comprehensive assessment” of the financial and legal implications of walking away from building a children’s science centre, an Oireachtas committee has recommended.

The Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said there needs to be engagement between the OPW, the Department of Public Expenditure, and representatives from the National Children’s Science Centre.