Douglas and Dublin are set to strengthen their longstanding links when the two cities formally sign a new Friendship and Cooperation Agreement next week.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Daryl Barron, will lead an eight-member delegation to Douglas from Tuesday to Thursday (October 20-22), with the formal signing taking place at Douglas City Hall on Wednesday, October 21.
The agreement will provide a framework for the two cities to work together and share knowledge and experience across a range of areas, including culture and language, environmental protection and UNESCO Biosphere collaboration, climate action, tourism and the visitor economy, place branding and opportunities for young people.
The partnership builds on the longstanding connections between the Isle of Man and Dublin which encompasses strong Celtic, cultural and maritime links and centuries of people-to-people connections.
Mayor of Douglas, Councillor Steven Crellin JP, says the agreement represents an opportunity to turn those historic connections into a meaningful partnership for the future.
He said: ‘Douglas and Dublin have a long history of friendship and connection but now we have an opportunity to build on that shared heritage and turn it into something that delivers real opportunities for our communities.
‘This agreement is about much more than two cities signing a document. It provides a framework for us to learn from one another, discuss areas of mutual interest and identify opportunities for future cooperation, share ideas and experience and work together in areas where we face common challenges and have shared ambitions.
‘Whether that is through cultural and educational exchanges, opportunities for young people, collaboration on our environmental challenges, or learning from one another about tourism and place-making, there is real potential for this partnership to deliver lasting benefits.
‘We will be delighted to welcome the Lord Mayor and his delegation to Douglas the capital next week and look forward to showing them our city, our heritage and our natural environment, while also learning more about Dublin and the work it is doing in areas of mutual interest.
‘I hope this will be the beginning of a long and productive partnership that benefits residents, businesses, visitors and future generations in both cities.’
The formal signing will be attended by representatives from Douglas City Council, Government and a number of sectors connected with the areas covered by the agreement.
The ceremony will include a performance by Manx choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh, followed by the presentation of commemorative gifts. Refreshments will then be accompanied by a harp performance from Arabella Ayen.
During their visit, the Dublin delegation will also have the opportunity to explore aspects of Douglas and the wider Island, including its cultural and heritage offer, environmental assets and civic facilities.
The programme will include visits to the Sovereign Art Foundation exhibition, the Gaiety Theatre, Manx Museum, Douglas Head and the Douglas Bay Marine Reserve, as well as a local authority housing visit and a tour of Tynwald Buildings.
The formal signing will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday in the Council Chamber at Douglas City Hall.
