The National University of Maynooth initiative focusing on mediation and leadership will be housed in a special building being named after Mr Kennedy, who died last August aged 77.

The Kennedy Centre for Conflict Intervention will also engage with organisations who have expertise in resolving disputes both nationally and internationally.

The Taoiseach met the late senator's sister Jean Kennedy Smith, his widow Victoria and other family members before making the announcement.

"The centre is a further acknowledgement of Ted Kennedy's immense commitment to Ireland, in particular his role in helping to bring about peace in Northern Ireland," Mr Cowen said.

"The initiative is also in recognition of the senator's lifelong promotion of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process."

NUI Maynooth currently has 40 students completing masters and diploma courses in mediation and conflict intervention through the School of Business and Law.

President of the university, Professor John Hughes, said the new Edward M Kennedy building would complement the John Hume building already on campus.

"Senator Kennedy's invaluable political legacy is that of a facilitator and mediator, healing wounds and achieving consensus, and his achievements still reverberate in his home country, throughout the island of Ireland and further afield," he added.