Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys has said Ireland must build on the legacy of the 1916 centenary celebrations.
The minister was speaking at an event in Dublin Castle bringing together over 150 people who were involved in the Ireland 2016 project.
She said she wants to build on the huge level of cultural engagement seen this year and use it as a platform for the future.
Ms Humphreys said the country became a living theatre during the celebrations and that Ireland 2016 showed what could be achieved through collaboration across government agencies and with the community.
The Director of the Centenary Programme, John Concannon, said today’s event was the start of a national consultation process.
He said they would travel the country to ask local authorities what they have learned and how to build on the active citizenship that was evident during the celebrations.
Next week, 5,000 people are expected to attend an event organised by the Defence Forces to focus on the humanitarian legacy of Roger Casement.
Over one million people came out on Easter weekend for the official State celebration of the 1916 centenary and RTÉ's Reflecting the Rising event.
An estimated 750,000 people attended the RTÉ event alone, making it the largest civic event in the history of the State.
Director of Ireland 2016 Mr Concannon said RTÉ's contribution to the centenary celebrations has been "immense" and that they are continuing to work with the national broadcaster on a documentary and a finale event on New Year's Eve, the details of which will be announced at a later date.
3,500 events were held around Ireland to commemorate 1916, with a further 1,500 events being held abroad.
