City of Culture Initiative

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Questions (13, 14)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

13. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the supports his Department intends to provide to local arts and tourism bodies, and the local authority to ensure Limerick’s designation as city of culture for 2014, is successful; his Department's plans to promote Limerick domestically and internationally for 2014; and if he was satisfied with the appointments process for the position of chief executive officer of the city of culture board. [51469/13]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

14. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the plans in place for the Limerick city of culture initiative; if he is satisfied with the budget allocated to the city of culture programme; the long-term benefits expected for the artistic community in Limerick as a result of this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51454/13]

Written answers

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.

The aim of the City of Culture initiative is to deliver a programme of cultural events and engagement in a city for one year in such a way as to lead to a permanent increase in the engagement of its citizens with arts and culture in the longer-term. The introduction of a City of Culture initiative in Ireland follows similar initiatives in other countries, and also follows the well-established EU Capitals of Culture Programme, which Ireland has held on two occasions.

As Deputies will be aware, Limerick City is undergoing a process of profound change at present and 2014 is an important year for the city as it will be the year in which a new single local authority will be established. I am confident that the designation of Limerick as the inaugural Irish City of Culture will help to shape, brand and promote a new Limerick city.

Funding of €6 million towards the cost of the City of Culture Programme was provided to my Department in Budget 2014 and will be reflected in the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) to be published in the coming weeks. This funding will support the arts and cultural events which will be taking place in Limerick during 2014.

The scheme for disbursal of the allocation to Limerick City and County Council will be grounded in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) currently being prepared by my Department, together with a formal letter of grant approval. The oversight, administration and governance model that will govern the disbursement of funds to the Council will be addressed in that SLA. Disbursal of the approved funding, which will be fully in line with public service financial and accountability requirements, will not commence until 2014.

Clearly, the primary relationship in relation to these matters will be between my Department and Limerick City and County Council. Day-to-day operational, administrative and associated matters will reside with the Council and the company - Limerick National City of Culture 2014 Ltd - it has established to manage the City of Culture programme. Matters in relation to the appointment of the CEO of that company are for Limerick City and County Council and I have noted the comments of the City and County Manager in that regard.