Twinning of Athlone with US city ‘must be progressed’, councillors say
The ambition of twinning Athlone with the US city of Providence must now be progressed, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke informed members at this month's meeting of the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.
Informal links between Athlone and the city in Rhode Island have been in place for several years, with District Mayors previously visiting Providence for St Patrick's Day celebrations.
However, Cllr O'Rourke said there was now a need to develop a formal twinning arrangement between the two areas.
"Previously, I did not receive much of a blessing from the Executive in this regard but I do have to commend their work in establishing an official protocol which should now afford us the opportunity to formally progress this particular twinning process," said Cllr O'Rourke.
"Members of the council who visited Providence were positively received, and I am of the view that there is an appetite for the formalisation of a twinning between both parties."
Cllr Paul Hogan noted that the idea of twinning with Providence was initially mooted in 2012, and now it was time to progress and formalise the arrangement.
"In recent times we had 100 visitors from Providence travel to Athlone where they participated in our St Patrick's Day parade. We also have collaboration from TUS, who view the potential twinning as a positive for our town. I know that they too are seeking to collaborate with a relevant counterpart in Providence.
"Collaborating with Providence from a social and cultural perspective can only be of benefit to Athlone. I am in complete agreement with Cllr O'Rourke, now is the time to formally proceed," Cllr Hogan said.
Mayor of Athlone, Cllr Frankie Keena, described the potential town twinning as a "no-brainer" and suggested inviting members of the Providence twinning committee to Athlone to "showcase what our town has to offer".
In response, District Manager, Jackie Finney, stated that there had been strong links forged with Providence.
"The protocols are now in place and I would suggest a meeting of the twinning sub-committee of the Municipal District to discuss the matter further," Ms Finney concluded.