COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 21, 2015

MOTION NO.

MOTION: Councillor E. Higgins

That the Chief Executive presents a report on 'twinning' in South Dublin County with a view to establishing / developing links with the United States of America.

REPORT:

The Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Sarah Holland officially signed a Sisters City Agreement with the City of Tampa, Florida, USA in County Hall, Tallaght on the 1st September.

The visiting delegation included the Mayor of Tampa, Mr. Bob Buckhorn, Robert, J. Rohrlack, CEO of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce along with a number of other delegates representing the education and business sectors in Tampa. Sherri Brennan, President and Peter Byrne CEO of South Dublin Chamber were also present with Mark Redmond CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce, Mr Thomas Stone, President of the Institute of Technology Tallaght, Mr. Daniel McLoughlin C.E. of South Dublin County Council and Mr. Stuart Dwyer, Deputy Chief of Mission representing the US Embassy.

Mayor Sarah Holland speaking at event said “On behalf of the Citizens and Elected Members of South Dublin County Council, I am honoured in my capacity as Mayor to welcome you to our county, on the wonderful occasion of the signing of the Sister Cities Agreement of Partnership between the City of Tampa and South Dublin County. I am convinced that this friendship agreement will be of mutual benefit to our communities by exploring the many educational, economic and cultural opportunities, this agreement will provide for the years ahead”.

When Mayor Holland took office in June, she outlined her intention to use her role as an ambassador to promote the benefits of South Dublin County as far afield as possible and to promote civic, educational, business and tourism links within Ireland and abroad.

The aim of the Sister Cities Agreement of Partnership is to improve global cooperation, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development. This agreement will enable South Dublin County and the City of Tampa to work together, to build a long and lasting friendship that will promote sustainable partnerships that will benefit our respective citizens and develop even further the goodwill that exists between Ireland and the United States of America.