The IRISH GOVERNMENT been notified by Mr Matsuura, Director General of UNESCO that Dublin is now permanently designated as: UNESCO City of Literature! 
 

The Lord Mayor made the formal announcement at 11am ,  Monday 26 July at the Plaza in front of the Grand Canal Theatre . Deputy Mary Hanafin, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport , will welcome the announcement. 
 
  There will be many opportunities over the coming years to celebrate this wonderful accolade as we all work together to promote Irish literature, locally, nationally and internationally. 

The following were the list of criteria and characteristics serves as a guide for cities interested in joining the network as a City of Literature:

• Quality, quantity and diversity of editorial initiatives and publishing houses;
• Quality and quantity of educational programmes focusing on domestic or foreign literature in primary and secondary schools as well as universities;
• Urban environment in which literature, drama and/or poetry play an integral role;
• Experience in hosting literary events and festivals aiming at promoting domestic and foreign literature; 
• Libraries, bookstores and public or private cultural centres dedicated to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of domestic and foreign literature;
• Active effort by the publishing sector to translate literary works from diverse national languages and foreign literature;
• Active involvement of media, including new media, in promoting literature and strengthening the market for literary products.