Mayor of Kirovsk, Russia Visit Newry, Mourne and Down

Mayor of Kirovsk, Russia Visit Newry, Mourne and Down

The Mayor of Kirovsk, Russia, Vladimir Diadik, paid a whistle stop two day visit to the Newry, Mourne and Down District in on the May 2016.

The legacy Newry and Mourne District Council and current Newry, Mourne and Down District Council have been twinned with the Russian City of Kirovsk for the last 13 years and during this time many positive and successful projects have been developed such as St Paul's School Bessbrook and School 7 in Kirovsk ‘Challenge for Change Programme’, the Three Ways Community Youth Club visit to Kirovsk and the Study Exchange Programme.

In March 2016, St Paul's High School Bessbrook paid a very successful visit to Kirovsk and took part in a range of activities such as skiing and Eskimo Games while also learning of the local culture and education. Mayor Diadik generously covered the cost of all expenses including accommodation and food.

During his visit Mayor Diadik concentrated on Economic, Tourism and Investment Projects in the Newry, Mourne and Down District and how the local Council Strategies could be integrated into Kirovsk’s own Development Plan. He availed of the opportunity to meet with various groups and individuals namely the President of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade, Michael McKeown and other Chamber Members, Dr Conor Patterson, Chief Executive Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency, Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive East Border Region Company, Mark Cumming Owner East Coast Adventure Centre, Aidan Gough, Director at Intertrade Ireland, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane and Chairman of the Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Burgess alongside various Council Officials.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane said, "I was very pleased to welcome the Mayor of Kirovsk, Vladimir Diadik and his wife to our beautiful region and to assist him in meeting many organisations and individuals in an effort to improve our twinning arrangement”.

Councillor Ruane continued, "I was very pleased that Mayor Diadik has agreed to join us in a joint European Commission application to investigate the possible joint development of Mountain Bicycle Routes in our respective regions, I hope our application is successful as it will cement our co-operation agreement.”

The Chairman of the Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Burgess stated, "The development of our twinning agreement with Kirovsk is a priority for our Council as it provides many opportunities, particularly for the youth of our region to experience different international cultures, sports and educational activities. I look forward to hosting many other visits from Kirovsk to our district”.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council aim to host a visit from another major Russian city in the near future, this deputation will be investigating the possibility of attracting investors and developers from our district to assist them in developing their Recycling facilities. They are also considering linking up with other education providers to develop twinning relationships.