‘Derisory’ financial support attacked

THE president of one of the country’s largest chambers of commerce has attacked the Government for its “derisory” financial support for the European Capital of Culture.

Speaking at a business breakfast hosted by Cork Chamber of Commerce yesterday, its president Robin O’Sullivan said the Government will only grant 50% funding for a budget, presently constricted to €13.5 million to run the year-long event that the city will host in 2005.

He then simulated a spit to highlight his annoyance, which prompted applause from many of the hundred- plus business men and women attending the function in Jury’s Hotel.

After the meeting, Mr O’Sullivan claimed if the European Capital of Culture title had been bestowed “anywhere within The Pale”, it would have received greater financial support from the Government.

“I think half of €13.5 million is derisory for such an event. It’s the first time such an honour has been given to Ireland. It’s a national event which can’t come back to this country for at least another 25 years. The level of Government response has been inadequate,” he said.

The Chamber of Commerce president claimed the Government had also neglected improving the city’s infrastructure ahead of the festival which is hoped will attract hundreds of thousands of tourists.

“Cork needs infrastructural developments. Both Dublin and Shannon airports have been developed but the Cork airport project is still waiting to go to tender 12 months after it should have done,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

He also criticised Government inactivity on providing money for the new Cork School of Music.

“It’s absolute neglect. Neither project is likely to be completed by 2005 and I think that’s reprehensible. I think that wouldn’t happen if it was inside The Pale.”

He said English cities were spending up to €6 million in just bidding to get the EU title and the €13.5 million budget Cork has should be at least doubled.

Cork’s director of the European Capital of Culture John Kennedy said he believed more money should have been made available.

“But I’m not going to sit on my hands, and moan about it, I’ll just have to get on with the job. It’s a national designation but that fact isn’t appreciated outside of Cork yet.

He is hoping to attract soccer teams like Liverpool and Manchester United to a tournament in the city, organise an international ballooning competition and bring in top flight musicians for the festival.

Mr Kennedy said he wanted to encourage as many local people as possible to get involved in the spirit of the European Capital of Culture.