Councillors defer decision on Mary Robinson Centre

MEMBERS of Mayo County Council have deferred a decision on whether the authority should purchase the childhood home of former President Mary Robinson in Ballina for use as Ireland's first presidential library.

They did so despite a recommendation from the council's chief executive, Peter Hynes, that they should immediately ratify the purchase.

Mr. Hynes, a strong advocate of the proposal to develop a Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina, told councillors during a sometimes heated debate on the issue on Monday evening that €2 million is available in government grants for the project but warned there is a time limit on the funding.

It is estimated that in total the project would cost €5.1 million.

One councillor, Gerry Ginty (Independent), told the meeting he felt members were being 'railroaded' into a decision on the matter.

“I think the €1.5 million or €2 million involved would be better spent on infrastructure in the Ballina area,†Councillor Ginty stated.

Following lengthy discussion, it was agreed to defer the matter to the next meeting of Ballina Municipal District on July 19.