City of culture events may generate €100m for Limerick

Limerick’s reign as city of culture is expected to generate up to €100 million for the local economy.

Key elements of the year-long programme aimed at delivering a blend of cultural expression and performance in Limerick throughout 2014 were announced yesterday at Daghda Dance Space in the old St John’s Church in the city.

The 20th anniversary world tour of Riverdance is one of the highlights of the programme which includes a number of Irish premieres as well as specially commissioned pieces.

The Irish premiere of Fuerza Bruta, which was the fastest selling show ever at The Roundhouse in London, will be staged in March. The Romanian production of Faust – which features adult content and nudity – is also expected to attract large audiences.

Other highlights include performances from James Galway and a film festival in honour of one of Limerick's most favourite sons Richard Harris.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan accepted it was a huge challenge for Limerick to take on the mantle of city of culture.

However, he insisted that the Government had provided sufficient resources of €6 million in a time of economic difficulty and he expected that investment would be delivered on.

"One of the primary objectives of the national city of culture initiative is to leave a long-term impact, and based on the programme outlined today and what is to follow one cannot help but be excited by what lies ahead for Limerick next year," said Mr Deenihan.

Local economy
Limerick city and county manager Conn Murray revealed Limerick's reign as city of culture could generate a big additional spend for the local economy. "It is anticipated that there could be anything up to an additional €100 million in spend in Limerick as a consequence of this particular project."

Chairman of Limerick National City of Culture 2014 Pat Cox said: "Our programme aims to unlock and reveal Limerick's cultural potential, to turn the city into a year-long national stage, hosting acts, arts and events from the intensely local and community-based to international acts which will perform for the first time ever in Ireland. The edgy, urban and contemporary will blend with the traditional to reveal the rich cultural diversity and heritage of the treaty city."