A number of local representatives are travelling to Washington and other US cities today. Members of local county councils will be spending a week in the United States in the lead-up to St. Patrick's Day.
The Taoiseach's visit to Washington today is one that many will be watching with bated breath, but the diplomatic trip to the States is just beginning for our local councillors. The Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Mark Casey will be travelling to Washington with the Chief Executive and Finance Director.
He will be joined by the chair of the Municipal District, Seamus Butler. Meanwhile, Leas Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council Sean McGowan and Chief Executive Joseph Gilhooly are flying to New York now.
They will be meeting with Tourism Ireland and the IDA in an effort to bolster financial support for local initiatives. Roscommon Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice will also be making the trip to New York with chief executive Shane Tiernan and the head of enterprise Sean Mullarkey.
Every representative will partake in dinner dances which will be held in honour for their respective counties on Friday. They will be looking to strengthen ties with the Irish diaspora there and ensure further unwavering support for generations to come.
