Competition to host a centre honouring former US president Mr Bill Clinton's work on the peace process has intensified with the University of Limerick (UL) entering the race.
Mr Kevin Ryan, academic vice-president, said the £2.5 million William Jefferson Clinton Centre for American Studies would find a "natural home" in Limerick.
Other universities have applied, including UCD. A decision is expected shortly from the Department of the Taoiseach.
A panel headed by former US education secretary Mr Richard Riley, with assistance from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the Department of Education, is considering the bids. It is believed universities who promise to secure private funds will be favoured.
The president of UCD, Dr Art Cosgrove, last November offered UCD as a site for the centre, but the HEA argued all universities should be allowed bid.