IN PICTURES: French Mayors visit Derry for development best practice study

Derry City and Strabane District Council this week hosted a high-level delegation of Mayors from the Association de Formation des Élus de Puisaye-Forterre, France, for a productive study visit focused on urban and rural development best practice.

The delegation, led by Honorary Mayor of Champignelles and Association President Jacques Gilet, and including Sénatrice Dominique Verien, spent the day at the Guildhall receiving presentations on key local initiatives before undertaking site visits.

The French delegates, primarily from rural municipalities in the Yonne region of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, were keen to learn from the Council’s experience in areas like regeneration, climate action, and investment.

The agenda featured in-depth discussions on the City Region Deal, the Council’s Green Infrastructure Overview, the Climate Action Plan, and the City Centre Regeneration, including the Austin’s Redevelopment project.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said he was honoured to host the delegation. He said: "It was a tremendous honour to welcome our French counterparts to the Guildhall and share our ongoing work and future ambitions for the City and District.

“This visit was critically important as it allowed for a valuable exchange of ideas on challenges that all local authorities face, from climate change resilience to regeneration in a rural context. Learning from the perspectives of experienced elected officials from France enriches our own governance and strengthens international connections vital for future collaboration and understanding." 

Following the morning meeting, the French Mayors toured the Acorn Farm Development and concluded their day with a guided tour of the historic City Walls and Guildhall.

PICTURED BELOW: The Mayor Councillor Ruairi McHugh welcomed L’Association de Formation des Elis de Puisaye-Forterre delegation to the Guildhall.

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