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

I do not agree that the whole thing was a debacle. In fact Limerick City of Culture was a huge success. The Government initially committed €6 million for Limerick City of Culture. Following an application from Limerick City and County Council, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform last November sanctioned additional funding of up to €1.5 million from savings in the Department of Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht's Vote. In the event, the savings realised were of the order of €1.1 million and this amount was paid over. In total, €7.1 million was committed and paid. In respect of some of events or projects not proceeding as originally planned, this is something that can happen during the course of any year-long programme. I am satisfied that the projects funded in late 2014 were appropriate and that the additional funding was applied in line with the formal agreements in place between the council and the Department. I am also satisfied that the application of all the Department's funding will be fully transparent and accountable. Information on expenditure on the different city of culture programmes is available on my Department's website. A financial account for 2014 will be completed shortly and submitted to the Department, which is also carrying out an independent evaluation which will be published in due course.

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