Dublin to Bid to Host "European City of Science" in 2012

The Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation recently agreed that a bid would be submitted for Dublin to become the European City of Science in 2012.

Announcing the Cabinet Committee's decision, the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, T.D., explained that in 2012 Ireland would be nearing the completion of its ongoing Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation(SSTI) .

The goals of the SSTI are the promotion of stronger relationships between scientific institutions and businesses with particular regard for the support for the application and commercialisation of research and development, and ensuring sustained development of human resources in science and technology.

To achieve these objectives, the Government has committed a budget of €8.2 billion.

The Taoiseach indicated that the City of Science event would provide a timely platform to showcase the best of Irish science and research across all disciplines.

If Ireland successfully wins its bid, its international standing as a leading centre for scientific and research excellence would be considerably enhanced while the event would provide a framework for a coordinated programme of international marketing activities involving IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland.

A successful bid would also provide further opportunities to promote science and science careers among prospective students and their parents.

With an expected attendance of 4,000 delegates, there would also be substantial benefits to the economy of Dublin as well as the national economy. Should the bid be accepted, there would be further opportunities for professional scientific organisations to hold their recurring specialist events in Dublin or other cities in Ireland.

The closing date for receipt of bids is September 2008. The successful applicant will be announced in January 2009.