Review of Science Gallery needed to keep the doors open – Dolan

A review into the Science Gallery based in Trinity College Dublin must be conducted to ensure it can remain open and look forward to a sustainable future, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

Senator Aisling Dolan is calling for a multi-stakeholder review into the possible options for the future operations of the gallery, to include input from the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science; the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; as well as Trinity College Dublin.

The Fine Gael Spokesperson for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science said, “The Science Gallery on Dublin’s Pearse Street was a first of its kind museum in Ireland, making science interactive and engaging for all ages in a space which has brought audiences together to participate in live events and experiments.

“It is a unique national resource which has greatly contributed not only to Trinity College, but also to the culture of the wider Dublin city centre. It is a public space open to everyone, free to enter and has showcased some of the most prolific and significant national exhibitions over the past ten years. It has highlighted the work of female researchers throughout the years, opening up the eyes of many young girls to the possibility of a career in science.

“With the hugely successful vaccine rollout across the country, never have we relied more heavily on the benefits of science as we have over the past number of months. Now more than ever we need to promote science and evidence-based research to people young and old.

“The announcement regarding the planned closure of the Science Gallery earlier this week came as a huge disappointment to so many people who have stepped through the gallery’s doors. It’s clear that the issue here is the impact Covid-19 has had on our museums, and our challenge now is to put a plan in place to guarantee their future sustainability.

“I know that the Provost of Trinity College Dublin, Professor Linda Doyle is a true advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), as is my colleague Minister Simon Harris. I am delighted that Minister Harris met with representatives from TCD on the back of the announcement and am aware that his Department will continue engaging with the college in the coming weeks.

“There are no doubts that challenges exist regarding the future of this national institution, but I believe we must consider every single avenue possible before a final decision is made. A review into alternative options for the future operating of the gallery must be conducted to protect the future of this unique and important space,” concluded Senator Dolan.