Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In budget 2014, an allocation of €6 million was made to Limerick City of Culture 2014 to be paid through the Vote of my Department. In November 2014, sanction was received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, on foot of an application from Limerick City and County Council, for applying additional funding of up to €1.5 million to Limerick City of Culture from possible savings on my Department’s Vote. The additional funding was sought in respect of a range of activities, including international events, commissioning, legacy events, Made in Limerickprojects and the Special Olympics. In the event, savings of just over €1.1 million materialised and this amount was applied to the project.

While, in general, decisions in relation to individual projects and artistic matters were the responsibility of Limerick City of Culture, all expenditure of public funds provided by my Department was subject to formal agreements with Limerick City and County Council, which are published on my Department’s website. I am satisfied that the funding in question was applied in accordance with those agreements.

Engagement with Limerick City of Culture about the final account for 2014 is continuing and I anticipate that the completed account will be submitted shortly. Overall, I consider that the Limerick City of Culture was a success, both in cultural terms and in enhancing civic participation in the city, and I believe it has left a lasting and positive legacy.

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