Kilkenny hosts important meeting of councillors from the North and South of Ireland
Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, recently hosted an important engagement between the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) and senior members of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) in Kilkenny.
The meeting took place in the Kilkenny County Council Chamber to discuss areas of cross-border collaboration at local government level.
During his welcome address, Cllr Fitzpatrick noted that 2023 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and emphasised the importance of cross-border relations.
The Kilkenny Cathaoirleach, who is also the AILG President, noted that it was great to engage and build upon the good working relationship between the AILG and NILGA.
Following an exchange of welcomes and introductions from both sides, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary joined the meeting remotely to offer government support for joint projects between both sides.
Following a series of detailed presentations by AILG and Kilkenny County Council, a detailed discussion took place between councillors both North and South of the island on the importance of leadership at local level and the need to promote the important role and importance of local government.
Both sides laid the groundwork for a collaborative campaign later in the year.