Andrew Carey
LIMERICK City of Culture CEO, Patricia Ryan, is to resign from her €120,000 position it has emerged.
The news of her resignation was confirmed this Sunday afternoon in a statement outlining her position regarding the 18 month contracted position she was appointed to last year.
“The speculation and commentary surrounding the events of recent days has regrettably compromised my authority and capacity to continue leading this project.
“It is important that a suitable successor is appointed to lead out on the next important phase and ensure the delivery of the programme and the project which is so vital to the rebranding of Limerick,” Ms Ryan said.
“I would like to pay particular tribute to the exceptionally hard working team of people in City of Culture that I have worked alongside on this project. Their dedication, diligence and commitment will ensure the continued success of this project.
“I wish the Limerick National City of Culture 2014 project every success and as a proud Limerick woman will continue to offer it my support,” she concluded.
Speculation as to Ms Ryan’s future emerged on social media sites just days after a public meeting heard discontent from both the public and the arts world amid the resignation of artistic director Karl Wallace.
Mr Wallace confirmed his resignation amid internal wrangling with the board.
He said that his position on the board was “untenable”.
He said, “We grew to realise that the roles of artistic director and those of the programming team would no longer be central to the City of Culture year, as the event progressed under new management.
“While I regret making an early departure I can no longer stand over a project that I have concerns about, concerns that have been repeatedly aired but not addressed.
Two other programmers, Jo Mangan and Maeve McGrath also resigned with Mr Wallace on the same day last week.
Ms Ryan became embattled following her appointment to the 18 month contract that was not advertised.
At the public meeting last Friday, many called for the resignation of the board and in particular Ms Ryan.
In the wake of the heated meeting, Ms Ryan admitted the criticism was “tough to listen to” but insisted she would not be stepping down.
Former MEP, Pat Cox also insisted that he would not be resigning from his voluntary position as chairman of the Board.
“I know there are those who would like to see me fold in the face of criticism but I am determined to see this through,” Mr Cox said.
Ms Ryan was a former adviser to Pat Cox and to Mary Harney when she was Minister for Health.
Amid the controversy, Limerick City and County Manager Conn Murray defended his appointment of Ms Ryan to the post
