Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Gerry Breen, in the company of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin T.D., will this morning formally announce Dublin’s designation as UNESCO City of Literature, one of only four in the world. The announcement will take place in the forecourt of the iconic Grand Canal Theatre, Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2 at 11.00am. It is expected that a number of luminaries from the spheres of Arts and Literature will also attend the event.

Formal notification was received by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Gerry Breen, who said

 ‘‘I am absolutely delighted about this achievement  - which confirms what Dubliners have known for years - this is a city that has always produced - and continues to produce - great writers’.

The sought after accolade was bestowed by the Director General of UNESCO and recognises Dublin’s cultural profile and its international standing as a city of literary excellence.

Detailed application was made to UNESCO last November by a steering and management group led by Dublin City Council’s library service and was subject to a rigorous vetting procedure. Partners in the submission included representatives from literary-related organisations as well as culture, arts, tourism, government, media and educational institutions across the city and country.

The designation as City of Literature, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network, provides a unique platform for Dublin’s literary community and enables the city to increase its market share as a destination for business and pleasure - and Ireland as a creative, exciting, and vibrant nation. Dublin, UNESCO City of Literature has enormous potential for beneficial cultural and economic impacts not alone in the capital city, but in communities across the country. Fáilte Ireland has steadfastly supported the application from inception to achieving the designation, recognising the importance of Dublin and its literary heritage in promoting cultural tourism.

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