Warm Waterford welcome for Danish EU partners
Danish envoys meeting with Waterford Suir Valley Railway volunteer drivers and manager Sharon Murphy Photo: Patrick Browne
Envoys from Denmark were welcomed to Waterford last week as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The Chargé d’Affaires a.i of Denmark to Ireland, Mr. Ole Egberg Mikkelsen, and Ireland's Ambassador to Denmark, His Excellency Kyle O'Sullivan, visited the city and county for a series of tourism, cultural, academic and climate events over the course of two days.
At City Hall, Mr. Mikkelsen, said that through this partnership Denmark and Waterford have achieved a wonderful example of bringing the European Union closer to people and communities across the country.
“There are many similarities between Ireland and Denmark,” Mr. Mikkelsen continued, “However, the most important thing we have in common, is that we share the same fundamental values… freedom, liberty, democracy and human rights.
“What makes our partnership particularly appropriate is not only Waterford’s rich Viking history, but there are also strong contemporary links, as we inspire each other in different areas from urban development, sustainable transportation to climate action, renewable energy, culture and tourism, education, and food.”
In welcoming the Danish delegation, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council, said, “Local government is where many European ambitions become real. It is where climate policy becomes warmer and more efficient homes, where sustainable transport becomes safer streets, and where economic policy helps businesses to invest, grow and create employment.
“Denmark has considerable experience in renewable energy, active travel and sustainable urban development. Waterford is also making progress in these areas as we work towards a more connected, resilient and low-carbon city and county.
"This pairing gives us an opportunity to share practical experiences, learn from successful projects and explore new links between our public bodies, businesses, educational institutions and cultural organisations.”
The delegation toured the North Quays Public Infrastructure Project, visiting the Sustainable Transport Bridge and the Transport Hub on the north side of the river.
They then viewed a recently completed Active Travel Safe Routes to School project at Butlerstown National School and met with pupils, teachers and Principal Maria O’Connor.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway was the next stop as the Danish envoys met with WSVR General Manager, Sharon Murphy and some of the volunteer drivers, before travelling on the narrow-gauge railway to Mount Congreve Gardens, where Estate Manager Ray Sinnott gave the group a guided tour of the gardens and their rich history.
On the second day, The Southern Regional Assembly provided an update on climate transition towards 2050 at an event, which brought together speakers from Ireland and Denmark, including associate professor and Deputy Head of Department Kristian Borch to share perspectives on climate policy, local leadership and practical approaches to delivering climate action.
The morning continued at Garter Lane Arts Centre with a vibrant Taste of Denmark showcase, which featured a conversation led by gastronomic journalist Tina Nielsen with celebrated Danish chef and restaurateur Emilie Qvist and Waterford chef and SETU Lecturer in Culinary Arts Michael Quinn on sustainable and local food practices.
Those in attendance were lucky enough to sample Smørrebrød (a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich) made with locally sourced Waterford produce.
The day concluded with a guided tour of the museums within the Waterford Treasures stable, and onto South East Technological University (SETU) to meet with SETU President Prof. Veronica Campbell and take part in a student Q&A session.
