Speaking today Minister Humphreys said: "Hosting the European Capital of Culture is a fantastic opportunity for Ireland to showcase its wonderful culture and boost tourism. This opportunity only comes around every 15 years or so, so it is essential that Irish cities are armed with all of the information necessary to put together the best possible bid.

"Interested cities will enter an intensive preparation period in the coming months, before submitting their initial application by mid-October. I expect to be in a position to announce a shortlist of finalists later this year. I am encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm which is already evident, and I would like to wish all interested cities well with their bids."

Local authority representatives from Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Louth, Waterford and Wexford attended today's information session, where a representative from the European Commission outlined the selection process involved.

Cities will have to meet a variety of criteria focussed on:

• Contribution to long term strategy: the plan for the Capital of Culture should contribute to the long term cultural, economic and social development of the city.
• European dimension: the plan should show strong cultural connectivity with Europe
  Cultural and artistic dimension; a high quality of cultural and artistic content is required
• Capacity to deliver: there should be evidence that there is broad political support and adequate infrastructure in place
• Outreach: there should be a strategy for audience development and community involvement
• Management: budgetary, management and delivery structures must be robust

An Expert Panel will be set up to examine plans submitted by applicant cities and make a recommendation on the city to be designated.

The Panel will be made up of 10 experts; three to be nominated by the European Commission, three by the European Parliament, three by the European Council and one by the Committee of the Regions.

Minister Humphreys has confirmed that Ireland will nominate two further experts as members of the panel.

An open process will be put in place shortly to select Ireland's members on the panel.

Ireland will make its designation for the European Capital of Culture based on the Expert Panel's final recommendation. The designation is expected to be announced in July/September 2016.