Limerick plans bid for European Capital of Culture in 2020

Limerick City of Culture director Mike Fitzpatrick is to lead the city's bid for European Capital of Culture in 2020, it has been confirmed.

Widely respected in the artistic community nationally and internationally, Mr Fitzpatrick was brought in to lead the first national City of Culture programme, which got off to a turbulent start following a number of high-profile resignations.

The head of school in Limerick Institute of Technology's Limerick school of art and design will continue to be seconded within the local authority for the duration of the European bid process, which is due for submission to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in October.

The team, which also includes a number of Limerick City and County Council staff, will continue to be based at Culture House in Pery Square for the purposes of co-ordinating the bid.

A group led by the local authority and comprising cultural, community, educational and business interests, and public representatives, will also be set up to oversee Limerick’s preparations for a bid proposal.