THE Cathaoirleach and Chief Executive of Kerry County Council will take part in a weekend business trip to the United States this week to promote Kerry and meet with business and political leaders as part of the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Cllr Norma Foley and Moira Murrell will meet officials from the IDA, Tourism Ireland, the Ireland-US Business Council and the American Chamber.
They will also meet the Mayor of New York and will join members of the Kerry diaspora in the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue on Saturday. They will be joined on the visit by Kerry County Council’s Tourism Officer, John Griffin.
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Speaking ahead of the visit to New York, Cllr Foley said that it presented a wonderful opportunity to promote Kerry internationally. She said there is an intensive programme of meetings and events which provided important prospects for networking and promotion.
“At this time every year, there is an unparalleled international attention on one country for a few days, particularly in the United States. It is vital, therefore, that Kerry’s voice is heard during this period when there is such a focus on Ireland. This is an essential opportunity to promote Kerry as a place to work, live and invest and our itinerary reflects this ambition.
“I look forward, in particular, to discussions with the American Chamber and the Ireland-US Business Council to emphasise the recent positive developments in tourism, enterprise and economic development in Kerry.”
“It is also an important opportunity to reach out the Kerry diaspora in the US which is always so welcoming of the chance to meet the Council delegation. It is an honour as the first citizen of Kerry to represent the county at these important events and to have this opportunity to promote the county abroad,” said Cllr Foley.
The Council delegation will meet the Senior Team IDA North America, the Senior Management Team, Tourism Ireland, North America, they will attend an Ireland-US Business Council Luncheon hosted by Mr Mark Redmond, Chairman, American Chamber, and Mr Charlie Flanagan, Minister for Justice and Equality, at the Irish Consulate.
They will attend St Patrick’s Day Mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue and will also attend breakfast for visiting dignitaries hosted by the Mayor of New York, Hon Bill de Blasio, and New York City Council at the Mayor’s Residence, Gracie Mansion.
They will also meet members of the New York Kerry Association and later join Mr Frank O’Keeffe, President, and Kerry Patriotic and Benevolent Association, to lead the New York Kerry Association in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Fifth Avenue.