A Limerick academic is set to be confirmed as the new boss of Limerick City of Culture this lunchtime.

Limerick City of Culture chairman Pat Cox has said he must accept that people think there was political influence at work in his organisation, but has denied that this was the case.

The Government have been partially blamed for causing the crisis at Limerick’s City of Culture due to a delay in funds going to projects and amid calls for the arts minister to intervene.

The Minister for Arts Jimmy Deenihan has promised greater local involvement in the Board of Limerick City of Culture.

Chairman of Limerick City of Culture Pat Cox has defied calls for him to quit after his former political adviser resigned as the organisation’s chief executive yesterday.

The decision by City of Culture chief Patricia Ryan to resign from the project has been welcomed by many in the artistic and cultural community in Limerick.

Jimmy Deenihan, the arts minister, has admitted knowing nothing about the row that led to the resignation of a key figure in the Limerick City of Culture project — because he was on his Christmas holidays.

It seemed like a great idea — build on the success of last year’s national Gathering, harness a growing movement to think and act locally and encourage Ireland’s arts community to focus their efforts in their own back yard.

The CEO of Limerick’s City of Culture has resigned.

Tensions developed between the Limerick City of Culture board and former artistic director, Karl Wallace over a proposal to stage a major international weekend event costing €1.8m, it emerged yesterday.

The resignation of Limerick City of Culture artistic director Karl Wallace and two of his team may be a “blessing in disguise”.

The resignation of Limerick City of Culture artistic director, Karl Wallace, and two of his colleagues is a very inauspicious start to the year-long celebration.

By Jimmy Woulfe

A huge fireworks display will kickstart the City of Culture celebrations, writes Colette Sheridan.

LIMERICK’s designation as the country’s first National City of Culture in 2014 will see it host over 200 performances and exhibitions, spanning all arts forms.