Douglas and Dublin mayors sign friendship agreement

In a move to strengthen ties between two cities separated by the Irish Sea, two mayors have signed a Friendship and Cooperation Agreement.

This week, a delegation from Dublin City Council led by Mayor Daryl Barron visited the Isle of Man to "build stronger links" with the City of Douglas.

He and Douglas City Mayor Steven Crellin signed the partnership in English, Manx and Irish Gaelic - something that has never done before.

The aim of the agreement is to ensure that both cities can work together building greater economic development and tourist links and ensure shared opportunities for young people.

"There are rich Celtic heritage roots between the Isle of Man, Douglas and Dublin and Ireland and we are trying to wove that fabric closer together," Barron said.

He said the partnership was not only about council work but also reconnecting the people of Dublin with the Isle of Man.

He said his mother had fond memories of visiting the island in her younger days.

"What she did as a child is fantastic and I think similarly a lot of older generations in Dublin have been to the Isle of Man in their younger days but not recently so this gives them the opportunity to revisit the Isle of Man or vice versa and relive some of those nostalgic memories with their children or grandchildren," he said.

Crellin said he had spoken to the head of the Steam Packet Company Brian Thomson and Ronaldsway Airport Director Mike Beveridge about making travel connectivity between the island and Ireland more easier.

"We are in the middle of trying to build stronger and better links. The conversations have already taken place and we can see how we can improve travel links and make them more economically viable for the people," he said.

Speaking on opportunities for young people, Crellin said the city was putting together the first Douglas Youth Council.

For Barron, who supports youth development, this message was key.

"This generation is very important and we have a very good youth parliament already in place which mimics the city council chamber, I'm happy to collaborate with the mayor here, to show [him] how we do what we do, and how we go about what we do together," he said.

Welcoming the partnership, Douglas Council Leader, Devon Watson, said it would open doors between schools and colleges, businesses and community organisations.

"Let it help us share ideas about building homes, bringing life to our streets, and creating prosperity that reaches the people who need it most," he said.

He added: "We want our young people to find opportunity, our neighbourhoods to thrive, and our cities to be places where everyone can belong.

"May those who come after us find the journey between our cities easier, the friendship deeper, and the possibilities greater."

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