€2,000 bill from mayor’s Big Apple promotional trip

MAYOR of Clare, Councillor Christy Curtin, spent over €2,000 attending the New York City parade and other functions promoting development in the county last week.

Councillor Curtin has insisted, however, that “junkets” are worthwhile once they are properly structured. He was accompanied by county manager, Tom Coughlan and Councillors PJ Ryan and Pat McMahon, who went on the trip at their own expense but engaged in the promotion of the county during the visit.
The benefits of Shannon Airport as an access point for transatlantic business and visitors since the introduction of pre-clearance facilities was emphasised during a number of visits, including the first meeting between the Clare delegation and the New York Consul General, Noel Kilkenny, who was reared in Kilrush and has links with Lahinch.
Councillor Curtin said he was honoured to lead the Banner in the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Fifth Avenue and meet members of the Clare Diaspora and Clare Association in New York.
“Without exception, members of the Clare Association and people with Clare links were extremely appreciative of the fact that the mayor visited New York during St Patrick’s week.
“Strong levels of support were pledged by the New York community to assist the county in moving forward and a very strong message was delivered by the delegation that Clare is open for investment and is seeking markets in the United States,” he said.