News at One Report into the Arts Council published today
Jan 20, 2026
Evelyn O'Rourke, an Arts and media correspondent, breaks down the findings of a key report on the Arts Council. She highlights five critical factors that led to the failure of a major IT project, including underestimated costs and scope changes. With 149 recommendations now on the table, O'Rourke discusses the Council's commitment to accountability and the immediate leadership changes they've implemented. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based actions aimed at rebuilding public trust.
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Five Key Causes Of Project Failure
- The review identified five key factors that caused the Arts Council ICT project to fail, including understated costs and governance lapses.
- The report contains 149 recommendations and signals systemic shortcomings that should not have occurred.
Governance And Oversight Were Inadequate
- The review highlighted weak governance, changing project scope, and a lack of ICT experience at the Arts Council.
- It also found departmental oversight was too informal, contributing to the failure.
Report Follows A Costly Abandoned IT Project
- The review was commissioned by Arts Minister Patrick O'Donovan after revelations of a failed IT project losing over €5 million.
- Publication marks a new chapter, with both Minister and Arts Council acknowledging findings publicly.