Limerick Chamber CEO has stated that the focus of Limerick National City of Culture cannot be deflected by unhelpful criticisms around the project.
Maria Kelly said “There seems to have been some questions raised, for whatever reason, at a national level over recent days and now, indeed, locally across a number of areas.
“While some of these questions have been answered satisfactorily, other matters raised seem to be done so with an effort to undermine the project or, at the very least, gain headlines. This is not warranted and not in Limerick’s interest and you have to question the motivation for this.
Ms Kelly added that “There has been a magnificent start to The National City of Culture initiative and specifically to Limerick City of Culture 2014, we had a fabulous launch, gaining all the right national attention and here we are only a few weeks later with people seemingly trying to undo that.
“If people want to criticise and make assessments, at least let them be fair and happen in due course. Give some time for the National City of Culture project to develop and then we can have a true assessment then. Limerick City of Culture 2014 must be about results and from what we can see so far from the programme and events that have been secured from New Year’s Eve, a really excellent job is being done.
The Chamber CEO said she understood why questions were raised regarding the process for the appointment of the CEO, but Limerick Chamber is fully satisfied that the action taken was necessary in the tight timelines and exceptional circumstances that prevailed as explained by Conn Murray.
“Ultimately, the issues raised must not be allowed to cloud focus right now, which must be on delivering what will no doubt be a year-long programme that will live long in the memory for Limerick, Ireland and beyond. Patricia Ryan is an excellent appointment and we have every confidence she will deliver a great year for Limerick and leave a legacy of benefit to future National Cities of Culture.”
