The Government’s proposed national diaspora centre is due to be discussed at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe is expected to update Ministerial colleagues on the plan.

The project to commemorate the many Irish people who emigrated over the centuries will have to be self-financing, but will be State-approved.

Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin and Cork are among the locations which have expressed an interest in securing the bid for the centre.

In March 2014, the Government said it was not in a position to develop the centre from its own resources but sought expressions of interest from potential partners.

A Fáilte Ireland study said such a centre had the potential to be a major tourism attraction, with particularly strong appeal for the Irish diaspora.

Groups making an expression of interest were be asked to indicate if they would be able to meet some or all of the capital costs.

Estimates of the cost have ranged from €5 million to €26 million, while a feasibility study said the use of an existing building and sponsorship would reduce the capital funding required.