The Arts Minister has defended his decision to name Limerick as Ireland's 'City of Culture' without a competition.

Jimmy Deenihan says Limerick did not deserve its poor reputation and he wanted to do something about it.

It was announced back in 2012 that Limerick was to become Ireland's first National City of Culture in 2014.

The event has several sponsors and is also being funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Limerick City and County Councils as well as The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

The Minister says he was approached by people in the arts community in Limerick, who themselves came up with the idea for the title.

And he says he is happy with his decision.