'Many of the more innovative elements are missing or downplayed' - Consultant criticises Galway 2020 programme

A European capital of culture is “radically different” from a national capital of culture due to its international dimension, Mr Green said, with the “norm” being that international events should make up over 50% of the programme .

The arts consultant who chaired the panel which selected Galway as European Capital of Culture 2020 has criticised the final programme for failing to live up to the promise of its bid book.

British arts consultant Steve Green says the Galway 2020 programme, published last month, is a “slimmed down” version of the city’s original bid, which may not be “international enough” and fails to engage sufficiently with the 24% “new Irish” among its population.