Delegation from Germany visits Waterford City
Michael Quinn, Director of Services, Waterford Council, Marco Voge, Mayor of Märkischer Kreis, and Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mayor of Waterford. Photo: Noel Browne
In May 2023, the official partnership documents cementing the twinning were signed by then Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary and Mayor of Märkischer Kreis, Marco Voge in the impressive setting of Altena Castle in central North Rhine-Westphalia.
This week, a delegation travelled from Märkischer Kreis in Germany to Waterford to explore trade opportunities, exchange cultural experiences and discover opportunities for tourism synergies.
The visiting delegation was headed by Marco Voge, Mayor of Märkischer Kreis.
The first port of call was Waterford City Hall where the delegates were greeted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy.
Welcoming the delegation, Mayor Murphy said, “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the Mayor’s Parlour here in City Hall this morning. It is important to reflect on the many benefits that town twinning can bring. By forging strong partnerships and sharing knowledge, we can create new opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, tourism, and community development.
“The bond between our two regions is a testament to the power of international friendship and cooperation, and I look forward to us working together in the future with the shared goal of making Waterford and Märkischer Kreis welcoming, innovative and people-focused regions to live, work, visit and invest in.”
Mayor Voge spoke warmly of the bond between the regions, stating that there are “many similarities between our regions, from the challenges of rural development, to the opportunities that arise in a globalised world.
“We are looking forward to meeting with the companies and the insight they will provide and we hope to establish long-standing connections with these companies.”
The visiting delegation also met with Michael Quinn, Waterford City and County Council, Niall Harrington, Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Kathryn Kiely SETU, Ciaran Cullen, Enterprise Ireland, Emily Grace, IDA, David Sinnott, Port of Waterford, and Gareth Evans, Waterford Local Enterprise Office.
Following the reception members of the delegation met with Local Enterprise Office, IDA and Enterprise Ireland clients throughout the city and county.
Over the two-day visit members of the South Westphalia University of Applied Science visited SETU to meet with SETU President Professor Veronica Campbell and a number of executive team and faculty members in engineering, business, science and humanities. The group also visited SETU’s research centres the Walton Institute, SEAM and PMBRC.
