Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is generally acknowledged that what was done in respect of Limerick, in terms of its selection and the idea of having a city of culture, was a superb idea and one for which the Minister can take a bow. The lack of transparency about the appointment of the CEO should not have happened and it is important we all learn from the mistakes made. I contend that, as the initial decision was a superb one, it should be built on and carried forward. That is why I expressed, at the committee meeting dealing with the Estimate, disappointment that we see a two-year setback to 2018 for the selection of another city. We should not be downcast in respect of the mistakes made in Limerick, we should learn from them and move ahead with 2016, which was the original intention.

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