Twinning Associations Will Continue Says McGrath

Twinning. There has been a call to re-establish the New Ross-Newcastle twinning link which was first established in 1985. Twinning. There has been a call to re-establish the New Ross-Newcastle twinning link which was first established in 1985.[/caption]

Cllr Colin McGrath has welcomed the retention of the twinnings our local towns have with various European towns under the new Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

Commenting the SDLP’s Downpatrick Councillor said: “I am pleased that Downpatrick will retain its connection with Bezons and Listowel, Ballynahinch with Lamorayle and Newcastle with New Ross.

“Many thousands of local people have travelled to these towns over the years and there have been friendships and connections made along with the sharing of cultures and traditions to help people learn about other places as well as their own. It has provided a great boost for local community and sporting groups too who have travelled and hosted as part of the exchanges.

“The exchanges are fairly cost neutral too as they only cost council a few thousand pounds each year yet bring hundreds of people to the area who all generate an economic benefit whilst in our area.

“I am pleased that the new council will maintain these connections to allow for future cultural exchanges and visitations to take place and for many hundreds of guests to flow to the districts towns.”

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