French Minister for Europe visits Cork

The Minister for European Affairs and Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, Dara Murphy, is today (Friday) hosting his French counterpart, Minister Harlem Désir.

The official two day visit is centred on Cork, and is promoting trade, tourism and technology links between Ireland and France.

The two Ministers held productive discussions on shared economic challenges in the EU last evening in Cork Airport where they met, that was followed up by talks in Cork City.

A joint press conference will take place this morning (Friday). Speaking in advance, Minister Murphy outlined the key topics that will be discussed during the two day visit to Cork.

Minister Murphy said: “The Government is keen to strengthen air and sea connectivity between Cork and France. Better links would boost tourism, trade and investment, and would enhance Cork Airport’s status as a European hub”. The Minister also highlighted how Cork – as a second city – needs ongoing EU economic support.

Minister Murphy said another topic of discussion will be the need to improve security co-operation within Europe. “Minister Désir had been due to visit Cork in January however the visit had to be rescheduled as a result of the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The solidarity between Cork and France was demonstrated the weekend after the Paris atrocities when more than 400 French citizens and Corkonians gathered for a candlelight vigil in Daunt Square in the citycentre.”

Cork and France already have many links:
·    A shared history dating back to the Huguenots
·    Cork has been twinned with Rennes since 1982
·    The Brittany ferry
·    The French Government has appointed a representative in the City, in the form of an Honorary Consul. Patricia Mallon operates from offices on Sheares Street.
·    Around 1000 French citizens are registered with the French Embassy as living in Cork, and it’s estimated that up to 7,000 live in Cork city and county.
·    The Cork French Film Film festival takes place every March.
·    The French community is active in the cultural life of the City.

France is also a key trading partner of Ireland. Last year Irish goods exports worldwide were up 18 per cent, and this included notable increases in exports to France.

Minister Murphy continued:

“Ireland and France enjoy very close relations as partners in the EU. As Minister for European Affairs and a proud Corkman, I am delighted to welcome Minister Désir on this first official French visit to Cork in many years.

“I intend to use the occasion to raise awareness for Cork Airport and Ringaskiddy ferry terminal as an ideal European gateways for prospective French companies looking to invest in Ireland, for the promotion of our local food and craft beverage industry and for the development of tourist traffic between Cork and France.

“Cork and France share a long heritage, dating back to the Huguenots, whose major contribution to the City is recognised on French Church Street. In more recent times, Ireland and France have partnered together in the EU in important areas such as fisheries, agriculture, research and development. I look forward to meeting Cork’s vibrant French community with Minister Désir, many of whom are working in the local maritime, pharmaceutical and IT sectors, and supporting innovation in Ireland.”

This morning (Friday) the Ministers will meet with Irish and French researchers collaborating in the field of marine renewable energy at the SFI funded MaREI centre in Ringaskiddy. The Ministers will be given a demonstration of a French made electric, The Renault Zoe. This is to promote the ‘Drive4Zero Initiative’, a pilot project based in Cork that aims to promote the use of electric vehicles in Ireland. Both programmes form part of Cork’s bid to become European Green Capital for 2017.

Later today, the two Ministers will meet with business and political representatives in the Port of Cork. The programme will continue with a visit to the Jameson Distillery in Midleton, a prime example of the strong economic links between France and Ireland. It will conclude with a meeting with the local French community in Cork.