DUBLIN HAS MADE the final shortlist of three cities vying to be given the status as World Design Capital in 2014.
From an initial list of 56, the Irish capital now stands with just Bilbao in Spain and Cape Town in South Africa on the shortlist, ahead of a final decision due in the autumn.
The decision to include Dublin among the final trio was welcomed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who said the capital was a “distinctive and historic city renowned for its heritage and architecture, as well as its unique examples of modern and innovative design.”
Arts minister Jimmy Deenihan also welcomed the news, said the status would be welcome in helping Dublin to mark the millennium anniversary of the Battle of Clontarf.
“To be in the top three out of a field of 56 is an amazing achievement,” he added.
Dublin’s bid for the status, entitled ‘Pivot Dublin’ and backed by the city’s four local authorities, was launched in March.
The submission was presented under four themes: ‘Connecting Cities’, ‘Making Cities Lighter’, ‘Making Cities Flow’ and ‘Making Cities Smile’.
The status is awarded on a biannual basis. Helsinki is the World Design Capital for 2012, Seoul held the status in 2010, and Turin was the capital in 2008.
The status is awarded by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design.
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