Cultural development is an integral part of the future development of the City. The culture of a city distinguishes it from other cities and locales. Culture is a fusion of many diverse influences and interests. Contributions to the cultural fabric of the city are derived from practitioners and organisations active in many areas. The extremely broad range of cultural activity includes the following major categories:

• The built fabric / urban environment
• Performing arts and events
• Creative industries - arts, crafts, design, media
• Local folklore, history and heritage
• Sport and recreation.

The culture of Limerick results from the unique combination of our inheritance - everything that we have inherited as citizens - and our creativity - what we as citizens do with it.

Promoting knowledge and awareness of the distinct cultural attributes of Limerick is therefore an important aspect of cultural development. Such knowledge and awareness provides the link between the city's past and its future. Of critical importance, public appreciation of the distinctive culture of Limerick enables the community to develop a sense of identity and belonging, which in turn positively influences the quality of life of both citizens and visitors.

Cultural development must be driven by a number of critical considerations, namely:

• creativity and innovation
• access and participation
• partnership and collaboration.

Limerick City recognises the importance of culture within the development of the city and is taking real steps towards establishing the City as a nationally and internationally recognised City of Culture. The City Development Board will build on and integrate many of these initiatives to provide tangible benefits for the citizens of Limerick.

Tá forbairt chultúrtha mar cheartlár d'fhorbait na cathrach, amach anseo. Bíonn réimse mór tionchair éagsúla ar aon chultúr. Cuireann alán daoine is eagraíochtaí gníomhacha le cultúr na cathrach. Bíonn na rudaí seo a leanas fite fuaithe sa chultúr.

• Forbairt fhisiciúil na cathrach.
• Na hEalaíona Gníomhartha.
• Tionsclaíochta chruthaitheach - ealaín, ceardaíocht, dearadh agus na meáin.
• Seanchas, stair agus oidhreacht, go háirithe an teanga.
• Spórt is caitheamh aimsire.

Tá baint ag an teanga le gach gné d'aon chultúr. Is iad Gaeilge ague Béarla an dá theanga is mó I Luimneach ón sean-am go dtí an lá atá inniu ann. Is í an Ghaeilge an gné is suntaisí de chultúr agus oidhreacht an hÉireann agus an chuid is tábhachtaí d'aon tinscnamh margaíochta.

Goal 18

Limerick's role and achievements as a city of culture will be nationally and internationally recognised

Objective 18.1:To make the culture of the city visible to and appreciated by citizens, visitors and potential visitors.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 18.2: Facilitate access to and participation in cultural activities for all citizens and visitors.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Council/ Chamber of Commerce

Objective 18.3: Protect and enhance the built fabric and urban environment of the City.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Council

Objective 18.4: Enhance public awareness of local folklore, history and heritage.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Council

Objective 18.5: Foster collaboration between the cultural entities within and influencing the City.
Responsible Organisation: City Development Board

Objective 18.6: Support the development of the creative industries in the City.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Enterprise Board

Objective 18.7: To promote & support skills development in the visual & performing arts
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Goal 19

Limerick will be nationally and internationally recognised as a city of excellence in Sport and Recreation

Objective 19.1: Increase the recognition and value of all sports as integral components of Limerick's cultural life.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 19.2:To increase participation in recreational activities and encourage the provision of appropriate facilities.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 19.3:To promote sport as an educational, recreational and competitive activity.
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Objective 19.4:To support all efforts in Limerick City being a host town for the Special Olympics
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 19.5:To promote the use of the waterways as an amenity
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Council

Goal 20

The Irish Language and Culture will be maximized to present to Limerick City's citizens and visitors its Irish image and historical links.

Objective 20.1:The Irish language and culture will permeate the social, economic and cultural sectors in development
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 20.2:To promote the use of both written and spoken Irish as part of everyday life in the City
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

14/06/2007