"This is fantastic news and I am really pleased for all of the organisations that were involved in the bid. In particular I wish to commend the Galway Film Centre, who in close association with Galway County Council and Galway City Council, and supported by the Irish Film Board, coordinated the bid that also had the backing of some 50 organisations from both the city and county of Galway.

"Galway has a long association with film making and the audiovisual sector going back over many years and it is a fitting testament to all of the great directors, producers, writers and actors who have made Galway their home. From that creative home, they have produced memorable works that has led to this great honour for their city."

Galway joins Sydney, Australia and Galway's twin city of Bradford in the UK as a designated City of Film. This status brings the highest internationally recognised standard of excellence in the creative industries to Galway. The title of Creative City of Film also includes membership of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.