€2m remains available for Mary Robinson Centre

CONFIRMATION has been received from the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, that the €2m funding from her department remains available for the development of the Mary Robinson Centre project in Ballina.

Senator Michelle Mulherin, who received the confirmation, said Minister Madigan also informed her that Mayo County Council is reviewing the project and the department is awaiting the outcome of the review.

Commented Senator Mulherin: “It is now imperative for the chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, to drive on to ensure that this golden opportunity unique to our town, the birthplace of Mary Robinson, is delivered to Ballina. The majority of councillors have already indicated their support for this proposed educational and tourism centre.

“The local taskforce headed by Derek Leonard are also anxious that this project proceed. All of these stakeholders, including the Victoria House Foundation and NUIG, need to be consulted and worked with in an open and transparent manner so this project can be realised.”

She continued: “The message is not being communicated what a fantastic project and opportunity this is for the Ballina area and instead we see questions asked about the project in the public sphere and in the media left unanswered. The main project promoter is Mayo County Council and as a democratic body, they should provide satisfactory answers.

“This project seems to be languishing at the moment. It would be a regrettable turn of events if it was not to proceed after the considerable work and resources committed to the project this far to date.

“We need to be developing tourism, cultural and heritage projects which will sustain the local economy of our town and environs into the future. Developing a centre based on the work of Mary Robinson is a 'no brainer' not just as past Irish president and former UN Commissioner for Human Rights but also on the basis of her ongoing human rights work in areas such as climate justice, equality, women's rights and the rights of refugees.

“She is our best known global figure and can put Ballina on a global stage. A taste of this is to be seen with the numbers from far and wide who gather for her annual lectures in Ballina and the prestigious speakers she attracts most recently former US Senator George Mitchell.

“Above all Mary Robinson and her achievements are very dear to so many of the ordinary people of Ballina and Mayo and we are very proud to call her one of our own. She has never forgotten where she came from, and in fact celebrates it.

“There is so much good will and talent within the general public and stakeholders. We need to tap into this and ensure a viable project and I urge the chief executive and Mayo County Council to make progress on this as a matter of urgency.”