National Diaspora Centre project axed as cash not available

Transport and Tourism Minister Paschal Donohoe axed the planned iconic €26m National Diaspora Centre only after being told there was no capital funding for the project.

In February, Mr Donohoe announced the Government would not proceed with the initiative. However, documents released in response to a Freedom of Information request, show he axed the planned centre after finding out, post-Budget 2015, there was no State money for it.

The documents also revealed eight companies were short-listed for the centre, with seven not having funding in place.