By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press AssociationA minister has rejected the suggestion from the Office of Public Works that cuts may need to be made to flood relief plans due to a legally complex commitment to build a children’s science centre. The Office of Public Works (OPW) said before a committee during the week that it could have to reduce spending on flood protection schemes due to its commitment to a long-planned National Children’s Science Centre. The science project is estimated to cost €70 million, but no department or body is willing to fund it. John Conlon, chairman of the Office of Public Works (PA)Asked about the OPW’s statement on Sunday, Minister of State at the Department of Justice Niall Collins said the state agency has adequate funding. There is no shortage of funding in terms of our Exchequer returns and our Exchequer receipts to fund critical projects, particularly our flood defences.

Source: The Herald February 16, 2026 00:21 UTC