PRESS RELEASE

Kelleher seeks funding for City of Culture 2005

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday Cork North Central Deputy Billy Kelleher asked for funding to be put in place by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and The Islands for the City of Culture 2005.

"Cork has achieved a great feat in being awarded the City of Culture 2005. Funding needs to be put in place now so as to allow Cork do justice to this great honour."

"It is essential that we would have funds set aside to exhibit of all aspects of our culture. An ideal opportunity is now before us to bring a mix of our cultural identity to not just the people of Cork but to the thousands of international visitors that will visit our City."

"This funding would provide the resources necessary to bring our greatest treasures to the banks of Lee, manuscripts such as the Book of Kells, priceless paintings and artefacts from our national collection would hopefully be put on loan to us. An extensive display of our modern art and sculptures would also be included."

"It is essential that the funding is put in place now to allow the necessary planning to be undertaken."