Cork's term as European Capital of Culture today received a one and a half million euro boost.
Minister for Tourism Mr John O'Donoghue promised the city an additional €1.5 million for next year's prestigious honour.
Mr O'Donoghue said the extra cash would go towards a number of special big events, which would appeal to a wide audience, and to mark significant moments during next year's term.
This brings Government funding to €7.85 million for the year-long event, with Cork 2005, receiving public money and cash from partnership arrangements, to boost its budget to around €20 million.
Organisers of the event believe it will bring in over 60,000 visitors to the city and attract an estimated extra €100 million in spending in the area over the next year.
The programme of events includes festivals, films, literature, sport, theatre, dance and workshops. "With the additional funding now available the programme can be further developed to include a number of additional events as well as some special events that will attract large numbers of visitors to the city," Mr O'Donoghue said.
PA