Dr. James Cunningham:

To answer the Senator's question, my colleague, Dr. Patrick Collins who is seated in the Visitors Gallery, is leading for NUI Galway. Dr. Collins and his team are involved in extensive consultations and stakeholder engagements. It is unearthing the potentiality, diversity and international strength that Galway has. That is not only in terms of our empirical research but also regarding the imagination and ideas that are coming forward. In addition, there is the importance of culture, language, place and the uniqueness of Galway, building on the success of 83 festivals per year that are generating huge economic activity and benefiting the city.

When Galway is successful, it will shine a justifiable light on Ireland's international position in this economy. It is unique in terms of the environment and the imagination that Dr. Collins and his team can bring in working with the stakeholders, including the local authorities. That can create an imaginative and innovative process that will bring a legacy to support individual companies as well as growing the economy internationally. Hopefully it will have a legacy effect beyond the bid itself.