Dutch Ambassador makes 'Europe Day' visit to Offaly County Council

Offaly County Council's Cathaoirleach, Cllr Frank Moran, and Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr Tony McCormack, officially welcomed the Netherlands' Ambassador to Ireland, Adriaan Palm, to Tullamore this week for a visit marking 'Europe Day'.

During the visit, Cllr Moran presented Ambassador Palm with some Offaly-themed gifts, including 100 quirky facts about Offaly, and an 'Offaly Rover' candle made by A Little Scentamental.

Ann Dillon, Director of Services, Orla Martin, Head of Enterprise, and Olive Farrelly, Tourism Officer, briefed Ambassador Palm on Offaly's Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2027), enterprise innovation in Offaly, and the forthcoming revised tourism strategy for Offaly.

Ms Dillon spoke about Offaly's legacy of electricity generation and how it is now the "renewable energy capital of Ireland", referring to the 1GW of renewable energy generated by the county.

She outlined the history of indigenous innovation in Offaly, including brands such as Glenisk, Grant Engineering, and Lumcloon Energy, all of which are known internationally. Ms Dillon spoke of Offaly's qualities as an attractive place to work, live and do business.

Head of Enterprise, Orla Martin outlined how the recently approved Offaly Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan focuses on six key areas including construction and engineering, energy generation and storage, med/tech and wellbeing, ICT, food and nutrition and tourism.

Ms Martin also spoke of the existing connection with the Netherlands, with the I-Lofar project in Birr, and looked forward to future engagement on a variety of projects, including opportunities to partner on EU-funded projects.

Ambassador Palm also received a tourism update in Offaly from Olive Farrelly. Ms Farrelly outlined synergies between Offaly and the Netherlands, as well as discussing the Fáilte Ireland campaign in which Offaly features under the 'Ireland's Hidden Heartlands' brand.

The Ambassador thanked Offaly County Council for hosting his visit and, based on the discussion, he identified opportunities for shared learning on topics such as active travel, farming on peat soils and battery storage for renewable energy.

Concluding the meeting, Cathaoirleach Cllr Frank Moran paid tribute to Ambassador Palm for sharing his time, knowledge and enthusiasm and looked forward to strengthening connections with the Netherlands in the future.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the European Union.