The new Dutch Honorary Consul for Cork, Kerry and Limerick, Dr Val Cummins, was officially inaugurated at an event in Cork city on Thursday evening, March 7th.
The well-known businesswoman and academic Cummins has a background in maritime and energy policy, having previously lectured on Marine Governance and Innovation in University College Cork. She is presently an Executive Director of Simply Blue Group.
Cummins said she was delighted to become Honorary Consul for the Netherlands at a time when Dutch-Irish ties are strengthening considerably.
“It is a privilege to represent the Netherlands in Cork, Kerry and Limerick. These three counties will be at the forefront of Ireland’s transition to renewable energy: a process in which Dutch-Irish partnerships are already playing a valuable role.
“Cork has recently been host to a Dutch trade mission focused on offshore wind, and soon there will be another Dutch trade mission in the area of cycling.
“Business, cultural and political links are developing as the two countries look to learn from one another, and I look forward to being part of helping to develop this crucial relationship,” Cummins said.
‘PHENOMENAL RESOURCES’
Speaking at the inauguration in the River Lee Hotel, the Ambassador of the Netherlands Maaike van Koldam, highlighted the long history of Dutch links to Cork and the wider region.
Ambassador van Koldam noted that both Ireland and the Netherlands are aiming to achieve major increases in offshore wind generation in order to achieve net zero by 2030.
The long history of the Netherlands has given the country an early advantage in harnessing offshore wind power, she said, and more and more Dutch companies are looking to the region with interest.
“Cork, Kerry and Limerick possess phenomenal resources when it comes to renewable energy. Dutch businesses have already acquired considerable expertise in developing offshore wind power in the North Sea area, and many of them are eager to become involved in the Irish offshore sector.
“The inauguration of an Honorary Consul with such expertise in this area is another example of how much attention the Netherlands is dedicating to this beautiful region,” Ambassador van Koldam said.
WORKING TOGETHER
The Ambassador also highlighted the recent cycling study trip undertaken by the Cork City Council to the Netherlands, as well the upcoming Cycling Trade Mission as examples of how bilateral ties are of benefit to all parties.
“This is very much a two-way process and by working together, all countries can meet the challenges of today while paving the way to a brighter tomorrow,” she concluded.
