Fresh call for delivery of Mary Robinson Centre in Mayo

THE news that Ballina native and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has been appointed as the chair of ‘The Elders’, an international organisation of elder states people, has prompted Mayo Senator Michelle Mulherin to appeal for renewed conviction to deliver the Mary Robinson Centre.

Mary Robinson is the third person to hold the position since the non-governmental organisation was founded in 2007 by the former South African president Nelson Mandela.

She follows Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, who died earlier this year.

Senator Mulherin said: "Mary Robinson's appointment as the Chair of ‘The Elders’ further underlines her standing as an international public figure for her role as a peace activist, human rights advocate, a life-long campaigner for equality, women's rights, and the rights of refugees, and most recently a champion of the world's poorest people through the Mary Robinson Foundation for Climate Justice.

“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.

“This is golden opportunity for Mayo County Council to gather all the interested parties and press on to deliver the €6 million Mary Robinson Centre for Ballina town. They have my full support.

“Earlier this year, I was in contact with Minister Josepha Madigan to ensure the two million euro of government funding allocated to the project is still in place.

"I have spoken with the Minister on numerous occasions and know she is a great admirer of all Mary Robinson has achieved to date. The project is a priority for me and for so many Ballina and Mayo people living far and near.

“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.”