An agreement outlining mutual commitments to collaborate in areas such as business development, science and technology, the creative economy, education, tourism, and urban development, has been signed between Limerick City and County Council and Austin, Texas.
Establishing a framework for maintaining direct communication between the cities through annual meetings and exchanges of ideas and best practices, the signing of a Sister Cities Agreement was formalised last week during a ceremony attended by Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the Limerick Sister City sign outside Austin City Hall.
Speaking from Austin, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran commented: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with Austin, a city just like ours, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and creative energy. Limerick is Austin’s closest EU city neighbour. We are proud to already be home to a number of Austin businesses, just as Austin has become a valued home for many originally from Limerick.
“We see this agreement as a chance to deepen connections, share knowledge, and foster mutual growth. Building a bridge of collaboration is how we will inspire progress and enrich both our cities,” he said.
While Austin Mayor, Kirk Watson echoed these sentiments, stating it would help ‘foster a lasting friendship’.
“This Sister Cities Agreement with Limerick represents a new chapter in Austin’s global outreach. Together, we will create opportunities for cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and shared innovation that will benefit both our communities and foster a lasting friendship across the Atlantic.”
Limerick City and County Council has established several twinning or sister city relationships to foster cultural, educational, and economic exchanges and these include Hohenlohekreis, Germany (since 1990), Santa Clara, California, USA (Sister city agreement, July 2014); New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA (Twinning agreement – April 1999); Birmingham, England (early 1990s); London, England; Quimper, France (Limerick’s first twin city) and Spokane, Washington, USA.
These partnerships aim to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between Limerick and its sister cities around the world.
