2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth's €20,000 trip to New York for St Patrick's Day was ‘not a jaunt'
Cllr. Maeve Yore led criticism, saying she had been an Independent Councillor for many years, and in that time had 'never, ever agreed to the trip to New York, and the Dundalk businesses and Louth public are telling me they don't agree with it either.'
She added that she had been asked by businesses to relay the message that: 'No business in Louth would send a six person delegation off on a trade mission with no guarantees of a return in jobs or tourism.'
But there was strong defence of the visit from many, with Cllr. Emma Coffey saying that, historically, Louth has had a strong and unique relationship with America, adding that 'in the current climate we need to protect that as we have benefitted both socially and economically from the relationship.'
"It is a preservation exercise as far as I am concerned. It is invaluable. If you are not at the table, you can't fight for the meal, and the scraps that come off it,' said Cllr. Coffey.
Cllr. Yore reviewed a breakdown of the trip, and detailed six attendees travelling for six days, including four councillors and two management from Louth County Council.
She queried the subsistence provided during the six day trip, asking for an explanation of the cost of meals, separate from subsistence.
She asked about the County Louth Society of New York, how many members it has, and how long each meeting lasted with Tourism Ireland and other agencies the Louth delegation met with in Dundalk.
She further queried if, following these meetings in New York, these agencies had forwarded 'their plans to promote Louth as a destination, and if so, can we see a copy of them.'
'Was infrastructure challenges in the county, such as water capacity and housing discussed, and what solutions were offered?'
Cllr. Yore queried the 'year on year cost of this trip, when local parades struggle annually, and are told there is no money,'
She listed the cost of the trip at €20,600 in 2025, and over €17,000 in 2024.
Deputy Chief Executive at Louth County Council, Thomas McEvoy, said the council had provided a report last month which broke down the costs.
He said the times of meetings had varied, but were given to the delegation by the various agencies, ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes.
"We did discuss infrastructure and we did discuss housing,' said Mr. McEvoy, adding that the meetings were an opportunity to highlight the range of developments and housing progress that was being made in the county.
He pointed out that they had asked the IDA what the top issue for overseas clients was, and they were clear in the response that it was housing. The locations that are showing housing activity would get prominence.
"We were able to show them a report we have prepared on housing in Louth, and the investment promotion website which is very much aligned with the IDA website. That helps them promote us as at the centre of the region.'
Mr. McEvoy told councillors: 'We are there with the sole purpose of promoting jobs, promoting tourism, and the cultural links we share.'
The delegation met with the County Louth Society of New York, inviting them to dinner which had been listed in the costs provided.
"I would say that the county societies in New York are struggling in recent years to maintain the numbers they once had, so they value the relationships even more so now.'
The Deputy Chief Executive said 'They are asking us to maintain that link, and we are responding to what they have asked of us.'
He said that all expenses claims were subject to audit, and he had checked every claim that had gone through.
New Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Sean Kelly, told the meeting that the 'invaluable contacts' which the Deputy Chief Executive had were beneficial to the Louth delegation during their visit. and in meetings with various agencies.
"We are well ahead of many other local authorities, and this was clear in the dialogue we had, and in getting the message across that Louth is a great place to do business.'
responded: 'Well it hasn't translated into jobs.'
Cllr. Kevin Callan, who travelled with the delegation said: 'We do not go out on a trade mission, we go out at the invitation of the County Louth Society.'
"I am kind of at a loss in this chamber, as all counties go, with the exception I think of one or two. We either go and present and fight for the county or we just stay at home. It has been said before that we should invite the delegation here, but this is nonsense as they want us to go over and meet their members in New York for St, Patrick's Day.'
He added: 'I am conscious that generations have gone from Louth, like in every other county. It is extremely important, it keeps that connection alive with people who have come from here, and whose families have come from here.'
"It is not fair to tag it as a jaunt, because it's not. It is hard work, and the officials who go out with members put in a lot of hard work.'
Cllr. Pio Smith, who had also taken part in the visit, added that he had learned much from the meetings in New York, including how important the reputation of individual towns was to CEO's who might be looking to invest.
Cllr. Kevin Meenan told the meeting that he was 'One of those who decided not to go a few years ago and then did go the second time around. I would definitely recommend that you go, and in terms of what the county gets out of it.. I don't think you can quantify that.'
He said there was a 'huge amount of work involved in this trip, and you are flat to the mat from the moment you get there until you leave.'
Cllr. Meenan said it was: 'a huge honour for the people from Louth who are over there to host us,' and highlighted the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the city as a huge event for the diaspora.
Cllr. Paddy McQuillan said that as Mayor of Drogheda he 'chose to stay at home this year' and added that the costs of these trips will rise every year.
Cllr. Michelle Hall, the current Mayor of Drogheda, added: 'I think that the majority in this chamber agree with the trip, and once it's agreed that's it.'
She added that the council should also be building links throughout Europe.
'We have to promote County Louth, it is the smallest county in Ireland, and we need the inward investment as well as our own exports. I am a great believer that we need to be travelling to Europe a lot more.'
Cllr. Emma Coffey agreed, adding that a recent survey of democracies had shown that Ireland was 'on par with Hungary at local authority level, which I don't think is right as a democracy in Europe that is well regarded.'
"The one thing that we lag behind in is our independence. Central government has completely eroded the independence of local government,'
She acknowledged the taskforce which has been launched, but added: 'From 2014 we have been eroded, and it is shocking to think that we are now on a par with Hungary, and that has been acknowledged by the Minister of European Affairs, it is not something that we should be proud of.'
Cllr. Marianne Butler said it was important to preserve the relationships with Louth people in New York.
'I do want to make the point that it is not an either or. We can look for better support for our festivals and parades, and still send a delegation to New York, or Europe, or wherever we need to go.'
