The Arts Council's IT project began in 2018 with a €3m budget before hitting €6.7m when it was abandoned. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienThe Arts Council needs a more “fit-for-purpose board” with skills in governance, human resources and law and “not just knowledge of the arts”, an expert advisory group has recommended. The independent review was ordered after the arts organisation’s controversial IT upgrade initiative cost the State €5.3 million before being abandoned. The review found the Arts Council’s business case for the project understated the costs and did not include VAT or the expense of streamlining businesses. The Arts Council has been contacted for comment.

Source: The Irish Times January 11, 2026 23:46 UTC