Work is set to begin to transform the childhood home of former Irish president Mary Robinson into a US-style presidential library.

Mayo County Council confirmed the purchase of Victoria House in Ballina, which will be redeveloped to include a a museum, archive, research and educational facility and events venue.

Ireland's first female president will be commemorated in the facility, with her legacy being utilised to inspire and foster personal leadership in the service of promoting human rights, gender equality, women's leadership and climate justice.

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Welcoming the progress, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes said: "This marks a significant development in the progress of the Centre, a project which is of significant importance for Ireland in general and for County Mayo in particular. We hope it will provide a national model for honoring and building on the contribution of significant civic figures in the Country."

The Victoria House Foundation will work with Mayo County Council and the National University of Ireland Galway (NUI Galway) on the new development.

Subject to requirements, construction of the Mary Robinson Centre will commence in November 2019.

(CM/MH)