Two women who have campaigned for a national science museum since 1987 will meet the Tanaiste this afternoon to discuss proposals for a museum in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
Ms Rose Kevany and Ms Noo Wallis will be putting their case to Ms Harney for a museum in Stack A of the IFSC.
Architect Mr Gerry Cahill will explain how it would be developed and Mr Mahon Murphy of Deloitte & Touche will argue why the proposal makes financial sense.
Accompanying them will be Senator Mary Henry, an advocate for science within the Oireachtas and a strong supporter of the need for a national science centre.
Senator Henry yesterday pointed to the shortage of science and technology graduates, which could present problems for the future. A science museum could help bring students back into the sciences in second and third level, she argued.
Ms Kevany cited the results of her surveys which indicated most teachers would find a science museum a great help in encouraging students.
Ms Kevany and Ms Wallis's proposal is one of several being put forward for Stack A. The venue would have about 5,400 square metres but, more importantly, it comes with a "museum levy" from IFSC companies that would provide £750,000 per annum for 25 years. This only comes into force, however, once a museum is ready to open its doors.
One competing group wants Stack A to be used for a children's museum which would include science, while another wants it to house arts exhibits, but with maritime and transport elements.
There have been separate proposals for a science museum at the ESB's former Pigeon House electricity generating plant and for a centre on the former Dublin gasworks site along the Liffey.
The Tanaiste indicated her intention to fund a national centre for science last September during her trip to China. She said between £5 million and £20 million would be made available and that a working group had completed a report on the issue that was endorsed by the Irish Council for Science Technology and Innovation. A Government memorandum was being prepared for final sanction by the Cabinet.
However, should Ms Harney and the Government decide to finance a new science centre, it will come none too soon for Ms Kevany and Ms Wallis. It has taken 13 years to get this close to a commitment for State support, and whatever the venue, they want to see a national science museum open its doors.