Dublin City Council is expected to raise millions of euro from the sale of miniature models of the Spire when the copyright for the structure transfers from the architect to the local authority.
A spokeswoman for the council said yesterday that the copyright was currently with the Spire's architect, Mr Ian Ritchie, but would be handed over to the council "in a matter of weeks".
Following suggestions by Mr Ritchie, city authorities are looking to establish a Spire Trust, a committee which would oversee the funds raised from any souvenir tie-ins from the monument, such as postcards, fridge magnets, paper-weights or pens.
The spokeswoman said proceeds from the sale of any such merchandise would be "ring-fenced" to support cultural events in the city.
"The details have not been finalised, but it is expected that people could make submissions for funds from the Spire Trust for an event, and each submission would be viewed on merit," she said.
Mr Ritchie told The Irish Times he was happy to transfer the copyright but believed it was important that a trust be established.
The architect has indicated to Dublin City Council that he expects to sit on the trust as an honorary life member, along with members of the city council, another architect, representatives from the arts sector and a businessperson from the O'Connell Street area.
"This is something I insisted on right from the start," he said. "I've heard all the arguments about the waste of money, but this means something can accrue to Dublin and Dubliners from the Spire that will be worth millions in the long term."
All merchandising profits, he added, should go towards community development and charities.
The Spire architect has also suggested that any souvenir items be selected by a design panel, to include either himself or a nominee of his choosing who would serve on the panel as a life member.
The first monies to be forwarded to the trust are likely to come from a film, co-funded by Dublin City Council, on the making of the Spire.