CITY TRIBUNE

Public Accounts Committee’s concerns over Galway 2020

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Serious concerns about governance structures in Galway 2020 have been highlighted at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

And fears over the European Capital of Culture project achieving value-for-money for the State’s multi-million euro investment, was also raised at a hearing of Dáil Éireann’s spending watchdog.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht is the biggest funder of Galway 2020, and has agreed to stump-up €15 million for the year-long event.

Department officials told the PAC they will draw on the experience of what was learned during the Pálás Cinema project, which was delayed and ran over budget. They said they were working to ensure, “robust project management structures are put in place for the European Capital of Culture Galway 2020 project”.

Galway West TD Catherine Connolly was not convinced, however.

“I have serious concerns about the robust governance structures but, importantly, many people on the ground have serious concerns also. I welcome that the Department is saying this, but what robust governance structures are already in place for the money paid out?”

Deputy Connolly pointed out that a substantial amount of the €15 million has already been allocated.

Subsequent to Galway 2020 CEO Hannah Kiely resigning last month, Deputy Connolly said she received an invitation to an event that was signed by the CEO’s assistant. Its website also still listed Ms Kiely as Galway 2020 CEO, she said.

“One might say these are minor details but they reflect the situation. It sends the wrong message if the website still lists her and letters are being issued on her behalf by her personal assistant inviting people to an event in spite of her having left her post over two weeks ago,” said Deputy Connolly.

The Independent TD also highlighted the issue of a lack of an Irish officer in Galway 2020; but spending oversight was her main concern.

“In the context of value for money, what robust structures are in place to safeguard the spending of the €15 million being allocated by a Department? What will be delivered for that money? What service level agreement is in place? A performance level agreement is now under discussion. At what stage is that process?”

PAC chairman, Deputy Sean Fleming, pointed out that the Department’s official who is a board member of Galway 2020 has a “fiduciary duty” to the company and cannot discuss the matter with the PAC outside a board meeting.

Deputy Connolly said the issue of a member of the Department sitting on the board was “very important in terms of robust governance”

She added: “What is his or her role and should he or she be on the board? Should there be a hands-off approach involving the situation being properly monitored with proper accountability?

“I raise these issues because I am seriously concerned. I do not need to say that I am a proud Galwegian. I am proud that Galway is to be the European Capital of Culture but I am not proud of the absence of robust governance structures at every level.”

Deputy Fleming said the PAC would write to the Department outlining the concerns.

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