Hildegarde Naughton (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Galway on its recent designation as the UNESCO city of film. It is wonderful news not only for Galway, but for the country, as it is the first time an Irish city has received the designation as UNESCO city of film.

It is one of only five worldwide and is granted on a permanent basis. This is a lasting recognition for all those people and organisations to ensure that Galway is a premier location for the arts in Ireland. People such as Declan Gibbons, Lelia Doolan, Jenny Dagg and many others, including Galway city and county councils, are to be commended on their excellent work in submitting this bid. It is estimated that the film and television industry in Galway supports in excess of 600 jobs and is worth more than €72 million to the local economy. Galway's cultural tradition and the potential for a sustainable long-term development were key factors in it achieving the UNESCO city of film designation. I have no doubt that the award will help Galway's international profile as a major artistic hub and help it strengthen its bid for the 2020 European Capital of Culture.