Aontú leader calls for full investigation into Mayo’s Mary Robinson Centre

The proposed Presidential library on the banks of the River Moy, intended to honour the legacy of former President Mary Robinson, faces mounting scrutiny as delays and financial setbacks continue to hinder its progress.

Calls for a full investigation into the project's management and use of public funds have been voiced by Deputy Peadar Tóibín, leader of Aontu, amidst concerns over a significant financial shortfall.

Speaking the the RTÉ Prime Time programme, Deputy Tóibín, the leader of Aontu, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the Mary Robinson Centre.

The project, which has received over €5 million in public funding to date, has encountered significant delays and financial challenges, prompting concerns among a number of Mayo councillors and an investigation on RTÉ’s Prime Time programme last night.

The Mary Robinson Centre is intended to be Ireland's first and only Presidential museum, remains vacant due to an €800,000 financial shortfall, an issue highlighted in the Local Government Auditors Report to Mayo County Council for 2023.

This deficit is linked to a lack of charitable donations for the project, despite initial commitments from the Victoria House Foundation, the driving force behind the initiative.

Despite assurances from the foundation that it remains committed to completing its payments to Mayo County Council, uncertainties persist regarding the timeline for the centre's opening and the commencement of necessary fit-out work.

Analysis of the foundation's accounts reveals a decline in donations received in recent years, raising questions about the project's financial sustainability and management.

However, the council said it is working closely with the foundation to bring the project to completion stage, including a full fit-out of the interior.

Concerns over the use of public funds have prompted calls for a full investigation into the project's handling and accountability.

Deputy Tóibín's urging of an investigation reflects the views of Westport Councillor Peter Flynn, who appeared on the Prime Time programme last night.

Councillor Flynn called into question the Mary Robinson Centre's viability and transparency.

"Discussions need to happen between the foundation, between the council, and by the government department that have given the €2 million funding. I think a plan needs to be devised," he stated.

Such a probe would seek to identify the factors contributing to the project's delays and financial difficulties, as well as provide recommendations for addressing these challenges effectively.

Ballina Independent Councillor Mark Duffy said he is confident the €800,000 will be repaid to Mayo County Council when the amenity is fully operational.

"They will repay the money that is committed. That is a team of volunteers and a voluntary board of directors who have raised €300,000 euro to date, which is no mean feat."

The foundation said that the funds will be paid over to the council "once the centre is up and running."