Limerick City and County Council today (Thursday, 17 September) welcomed H.E. David Gill, German Ambassador to Ireland, and H.E. Maeve Collins, Ireland’s Ambassador to Germany, to Limerick as part of a joint visit highlighting the strong and growing links between Limerick and Germany across education, culture, community development, business and academia.
The visit features a comprehensive programme across the county and city, including engagements at Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton, a visit to a Social Farm in Clarina, a civic reception and meetings at Limerick City and County Council, a tour of the University of Limerick, and a public panel discussion and reception at the Glucksman Library.
The visit also reflects the strong partnership that has developed through Ireland’s current hosting of the EU Council Presidency, during which Limerick has been twinned with Germany as part of a programme designed to foster deeper co-operation and understanding between European regions and communities.
Welcoming the Ambassadors to Limerick, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said:
"Céad míle fáilte, and herzlich willkommen to Ambassador Gill and Ambassador Collins. It's a genuine pleasure to have you both in Limerick today. We raised the EU flag over King John's Castle back in July to open this partnership with Germany. Today's visit, from Coláiste Mhuire to the social farm in Clarina to the discussions at UL and the Glucksman Library, shows how far it's already reaching, into education, research and enterprise as well as culture. 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, Cllr 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. We are particularly pleased to welcome the Ambassadors to County Limerick and to showcase the diversity of communities, initiatives and educational opportunities that make this region such a vibrant place to live, work and invest.”
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, 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. We look forward to continuing to work with partners in Germany and across Europe to develop collaborative initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for our citizens, institutions and businesses.”
Throughout the day, the Ambassadors are meeting with students, community organisations, local authority representatives and academic leaders, highlighting the breadth of cooperation that already exists between Limerick and Germany while identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
The programme includes a public panel discussion and reception at the University of Limerick, providing a further opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen the relationships that underpin the Limerick-Germany partnership.
