Culture Policy
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-03
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Patrick O'Donovan (FG), Limerick County

I am sure the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Keira Keogh, would have something different to say for Mayo, Westport, Castlebar and Ballina, as others would for all stations between Mayo and Dublin. I know Deputy Butterly is a strong advocate for the County Louth towns. Why would she not be? However, we will have to have a competitive process. I envisage it will involve the local authorities being asked to put forward proposals, which will have to be independently assessed and verified. Obvious, the winners will be delighted and the unsuccessful will use freedom of information those, or FOI - our three favourite letters - to find out how the scheme was awarded and everything else.
I intend putting a substantial amount of money behind this and I also intend to have the designation over multiple years in order that it will be legacy. No more than the European capital of culture, the Irish town of culture will be an exciting initiative for towns all over the country. With their local authorities, they will be able to compete for a title that will have an all-Ireland dimension to it. It will be welcomed by the local authorities and the towns that are prepared to participate.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-03/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:02+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-03