This article is from page 32 of the 2007-07-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
THE mayor of Kilrush is to consider making a trip to France for the coun- cil members part of next year’s local authority budget.
Cllr Tom Clyne (Ind) said, “I would like to say that I am keen that mem- bers of the current elected council, in place since 2004, would be part of a return visit to Plouzane and I will be bringing this to the fore later in the year when we are considering budg- ets for the coming 12 months.”
He was speaking at the 25th anni- versary of the twinning of Kilrush with the French town of Plouzane at a special monthly meeting of the Kilrush Town Council in the Vande- leur Walled Garden.
The 30-strong French delegation was led by the deputy mayor of the French town, Yves Dubuit.
The very first exchange took place in 1982, when Michael Flynn, the
then mayor, lead the inaugural twin- ning delegation to Plouzane.
Members of that delegation were also present at the special meet- ing including Michael Flynn and PJ Hanrahan. The late John McNama- ra was represented by his wife Kitty McNamara.
‘You must be very proud that some- thing started 25 years ago continues to thrive to this day,” Mayor Clyne told the members in the public gal- Says
“The first Plouzane delegation to come to Kilrush will have witnessed many changes since 1982. And even as some things change, some things remain the same. Kilrush still en- joys the same natural advantages it always has had – the same beautiful wide streets, the waterside location, accessible woodlands, fine architec- ture and streetscapes and the same vibrant community spirit – of which the Plouzane-Kilrush Twinning
Committee is a good example,’ the mayor continued.
“The advantages that Kilrush has to offer are now being recognised widely, by developers and others. Kilrush has received numerous Tidy Towns Awards in recent years. A Government department has recent- ly decentralised to Kilrush and there are 50 new revenue commissioners working in town. The commercial and business life of the town 1s thriv- ing and set to continue to thrive. The high standard of quality of life that can be enjoyed in Kilrush is reaping economic rewards.”
Plouzane shares a maritime tradi- tion with Kilrush, and Cllr Clyne took every opportunity to mention the new marina development to the visitors. He also outlined the on-set of full broadband facilities for the town.
“Our friends from Plouzane and ourselves have in common the best
interests of our towns at heart and we thank the people and the town of Plouzane for your sustained friend- ship and interest in Kilrush over the years. Regardless of any changes to shopping or tourism or technology, the key to successful twinning is in the friendships formed between or- dinary people. I congratulate both the Kilrush and Plouzane twinning committees for their dedicated hard work and for ensuring that the con- nections between people remain at the heart of this successful twinning relationship,’ he said.