Links between Limerick and Germany highlighted with visit from ambassadors
The visit from the two ambassadors to Limerick highlighted the links and future collaborations with Germany
STRONG and growing links between Limerick and Germany were highlighted as part of an official visit to Limerick.
Limerick City and County Council welcomed H.E David Gill the German ambassador to Ireland and H.E Maeve Collins, Ireland’s ambassador to Germany.
The visit featured visits to Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, a social farm in Clarina and a tour of the University of Limerick.
For Ireland’s hosting of the EU Council Presidency, Limerick has been twinned with Germany.
Welcoming the ambassadors, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said: “Ireland has a tradition of standing close to Germany during our Presidencies, and Limerick means to keep leading from the front.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick City and County Council, Councillor Tom Ruddle, said: “The relationship between Limerick and Germany is built on mutual respect, shared values and a commitment to cooperation.
“From our schools and universities to voluntary organisations, businesses and civic institutions, there are many examples of meaningful engagement that have emerged through this partnership.”
The German ambassador to Ireland H.E David Gill added: “The German-Limerick pairing reaches across history and business, academia and culture, connecting past relationships with new ones and it has brought people together, uncovered existing connections and created new ones. Now, we want to build on these encounters and see where they lead. We look forward to seeing which conversations become projects, which meetings develop into lasting cooperation, and which relationships continue long after Ireland’s EU Presidency has come to an end.”
The Irish ambassador to Germany, H.E Maeve Collins commented: “I am delighted to be in Limerick today and to witness the remarkable cooperation which is taking place as part of the Germany Limerick county pairing initiative of Ireland’s EU Presidency. Joined by Germany’s Ambassador to Ireland, David Gill, I was pleased to engage directly with local communities, from school students in Askeaton, to a social farm project in Clarina, to a range of engagements at the University of Limerick, as well as to have the opportunity to meet with Mayor John Moran and Príomh Chomhairleoir Tom Ruddle.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly, added: “International engagement is increasingly important for cities and regions seeking to grow sustainably and remain competitive. Limerick has developed a strong reputation for innovation, education, research and community development, and this visit provides an excellent opportunity to highlight those strengths.”
Throughout the day, the ambassadors met with students, community organisations, local authority representatives and academic leaders, highlighting the cooperation that already exists between Limerick and Germany while identifying opportunities for future collaboration.