Limerick has been selected to host a diplomatic delegation from Germany this July as part of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The visit is part of a national program where EU Member State Ambassadors, accompanied by their Irish counterparts, will tour various counties to engage in public outreach and strengthen bilateral relations.
The itinerary for the Limerick visit is expected to include engagements with local authorities, community groups, schools, and industrial sites.
A primary focus will be the development of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Shannon Estuary.
The visit will be used to discuss how the region can contribute to Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels, drawing on Germany’s experience in renewable energy projects.
Recent infrastructure developments will also be discussed, including the reactivation of the rail line to the Port of Foynes and the progress on the Foynes to Limerick Road scheme.
Beyond energy, the engagement will cover technical and security cooperation.
Discussions will look at sub-sea surveillance, specifically highlighting research conducted at the University of Limerick’s Centre for Robotics and Intelligent Systems (CRIS).
Senator Dee Ryan, a member of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, says the visit also underscores the ongoing regional push for increased connectivity.
“It will be a moment for Limerick to deepen relationships with our German counterparts, to learn from their experience with developing floating offshore wind and other renewable energy projects and to discuss opportunities for collaboration and further cooperation in the future.
“I know that the German officials have previously visited Limerick and the Port of Foynes, and as a member of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce, I look forward to welcoming them back and updating them on the further steps taken since their last visit.”
“It is essential that we establish direct flights to Germany, such as Frankfurt or Berlin, to expand trade opportunities between Limerick companies and the largest economy in the EU.”
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