Deenihan read about resignation ‘in the paper’

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.

Defending his sketchy knowledge of the major controversy destabilising the project, Mr Deenihan blamed it on the “holiday period”. He only learned of the resignation of artistic head Karl Wallace when he read it in the paper, he said.

“If I knew he had cause for concern, I would have discussed it with him. I read in the paper that he resigned,” Mr Deenihan said in an interview on RTÉ radio. Yesterday, the row claimed another casualty, with the resignation of city of culture chief executive Patricia Ryan.

The arts minister also showed limited awareness of how the €6m allocated by his department towards the project would be spent. He said he had read in the paper of a row over one proposed event because of prohibitive costs, but he was not sure of either the cost or the event in question. He said he had never committed to “micro- managing” the project, but that his office was “monitoring” the programme.

Challenging criticism that the late allocation of €6m had hampered planning of the project, Mr Deenihan claimed that “the figure of €6m had been mentioned, generally speaking”.

However, where and when was unclear. He said that while it would have been “preferable” to allocate money sooner, he had to wait for Budget 2014 before announcing the funding.

However, he said the organisers of the project had been made aware “funding would be commensurate with the programme” and that the project had been mooted as far back as 2011.

Mr Deenihan also conceded in hindsight that the process used to recruit a CEO for the project — which was not done by open competition — could have been different. Ms Ryan resigned yesterday after weeks of criticism surrounding her appointment.

Ms Ryan was previously an advisor to former MEP Pat Cox, chairman of the city of culture organising committee.

Limerick City TD Willie O’Dea said that while Ms Ryan’s resignation was unfortunate, and he felt “personally sorry for Patricia”, it was time for the city to get on with the job of rebranding itself in a positive light.

He also called for Mr Deenihan to intervene directly in the row for the purpose of bringing about a speedy resolution.

Mr Deenihan said he has asked Mr Cox to consider adding members of the artistic community to the board. He added that he will be meeting the Board of Limerick City of Culture, the city council, and the arts community this week to try to ensure that a dynamic and substantial programme is delivered.

Patricia Ryan's statement

This afternoon, I have informed the Board of Limerick National City of Culture 2014 and the Manager of Limerick Local Authorities of my decision to resign as chief executive officer.

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... which is so vital to the rebranding of Limerick. 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.