Douglas Council and Dublin Council have signed a ‘friendship agreement’ with the hopes of promoting a ‘closer co-operation’ between the two cities.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin Darryl Barron and Mayor of Douglas Steven Crellin signed the agreement at a ceremony held yesterday (October 20).
The local authority believes it will help strengthen links for young people, businesses and community organisations on both Islands.
Councillor Crellin says it will promote stronger links between both capitals across areas including culture, language and transport.
It’s also hoped that the councils can share UNESCO Biosphere resources and work towards improved tourism strategies.
Councillor Barron added that both cities can ‘learn a lot from each other’ and believes the new agreement will support the shared Celtic cultural heritage of both Dublin and Douglas.
Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them:
Council Leader Devon Watson said: “As representatives of our cities, we hold a simple responsibility to make life better for the people who call them home. We want our young people to find opportunity, our neighbourhoods to thrive and our cities to be places where everyone can belong.
“The value of what we sign today will be measured in what our people can do together tomorrow.
“May those who come after us find the journey between our cities easier, the friendship deeper and the possibilities greater.”