An exhibition space, a garden and an 80 seater auditorium will be built at the GPO in Dublin to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016.

The project at the GPO is one of several projects planned alongside work at the National Archives, Kilmainham Gaol and Richmond Barracks.

The centre at the GPO will include up to 300 metres of exhibition spaces and considerations are also being taken to build a classroom with teaching space for school age visitors.

Failte Ireland, Ireland's tourism authority, have suggested an expansion on the themes of 1916, which it feels could be difficult to market on its own, to include a wider story of Ireland's journey towards independence.

The centre at the GPO is due to be opened in time for the centenary of the Easter Rising in 2016.