Dublin bids to become European City of Science

Dublin is set to launch an official bid to become the European City of Science for 2012.

The capital will be competing with Vienna for the accolade, with a decision due to be made sometime next year.

Science Minister Jimmy Devins is due to hand in documentation on the matter to the European Science Foundation in Strasbourg later today.

Minister Devins said: "Throughout this process there has been what can only be described as a carrier wave of enthusiasm by all concerned.

"I am struck with admiration at how the Steering Committee is so united in their commitment to act as ambassadors for Dublin and Ireland. They bring not only the specific perspective of their own organisations, but are enthusiastically pursuing the broader aims and ambitions of Euroscience in a way that has transcended the proposal.

"The Government gives this bid its total commitment while fully endorsing the grass-roots approach to the ultimate organisation of the event".