Call for Collins centre in Cork

A call has been made for a dedicated Michael Collins interpretative centre in Cork.

Fine Gael Senator Fergal Browne has made the call following the ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of Michael Collins' death at Beàl Na Blàth earlier this week.

"I visited Béal Na Bláth and the private museum at Collins' Barracks, Cork for the first time last Sunday.

"The conditions inside the museum are in disrepair. Paint is peeling off the walls and many interesting objects relating to the period cannot be displayed because there is simply no room to display them.

"An interpretative centre with public access should be established in Cork to commemorate and acknowledge the tremendous role Michael Collins played in the foundation of the State.

"It is now time that this hero of Irish politics was rightly acknowledged. An integrated interpretative

centre dedicated to his memory would be a valuable resource for schools, tourists and anyone interested in learning about the Collins' role in the foundation of the State."