Dublin, Ireland, has become the world's fourth City of Literature, which is a permanent designation and forms part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network launched in 2004.

A steering group has been created to develop the designation, including representatives from the Irish government, Dublin City Council, The Arts Council and tourism agency Fáilte Ireland. Edinburgh, Scotland, was the first city to receive City of Literature status, with Melbourne, Australia, and Iowa City, US, also among the recipients of the accolade since its 2004 launch.

Irish tourism minister Mary Hanafin said: "Dublin has been awarded this accolade because of the rich historical literary past of the city, the vibrant contemporary literature, the variety of festivals and attractions available and because it is the birthplace and home of literary greats. "Names such as Swift, O'Casey, Wilde, Shaw, Behan, Beckett and Joyce are synonymous with Dublin and there are reminders of their great literary works throughout the city - which captures both scholars and tourist imaginations when they visit the city."