Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to Deputy McLellan's question, I was always up to speed with this project, and that is why Limerick was designated as such. It is a suitable designation because of the challenges faced in Limerick, both economic and otherwise, and this was a way not only to lift the morale and self-esteem in Limerick but to shape Limerick and brand it for the future. That was part of the designation process and I am convinced at the end of the year, that is what will happen. I have an observer on the board and the arts community, on my advice, is also represented, along with local authorities. The board is broader now than what it was initially and everybody has welcomed that.

With regard to Deputy Halligan's comments, I am aware that Waterford faces similar challenges to Limerick. There is a new governance structure for Waterford and last year I recommended that the Georgian section would be designated under the living city initiative. I understand from Deputy Deasy that there was an event to recognise and, more or less, to launch the initiative with the Irish Georgian Society recently. I am delighted the Deputy is considering the matter in that way, and this can be seen as a way to lift the morale and economy of Waterford. The same applies to Deputy Ó Fearghaíl's comments.

This is apart from the intrinsic value of the arts, which is so important in all communities, and I can see how in Limerick this is lifting communities in so many different ways. There are now bigger international performances in the city and the people of Limerick have been energised by what is happening. The programme for the first three months is excellent and any city would be proud of it. It is an international programme of high quality. I agree with Deputy Ó Fearghaíl in that there is a major socioeconomic aspect to this, which is why the top people in Silicon Valley were in Limerick last weekend and Monday night. It is the national city of culture and they wanted to show how technology, the arts and culture can come together to produce creativity and jobs. I hope people will recognise these aspects, as Deputies have done this morning.

See this speech in context