Laois delegation visit Tennessee to develop Sister Cities Agreement

A delegation from Laois County Council travelled to Tennessee in the US to mark the 20th anniversary of the Williamson County Fair and to develop links between Laois and Franklin and Williamson County under the Sister Cities Agreement.

The delegation included Councillor Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council and Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive and the visit took place from Monday, August 5 to Friday, August 9. 

The delegation conducted a number of visits, including visits to the Moore & Morris Heritage Centre, Williamson County Archives and Museum and the Franklin on Foot Walking Tour. The delegation also attended various meetings including a Franklin and Williamson County Sister Cities Board Meeting, meetings with both Mayors and their Senior Officials, in addition to various meetings with key cultural, arts, agriculture and Emergency Services representatives, all with a view to developing mutually beneficial measures for the expansion and development of the Sister Cities Agreement.

A full report on the visit will be provided to Elected Members at the September 2024 Monthly Meeting of Laois County Council.

Commenting on the visit, The Sister Cities of Franklin & Williamson County TN said: "As we reflect on the past and the present, we are filled with hope and optimism for the future. Many connections and relationships have been established, and we eagerly anticipate future collaborations between our two counties in the coming months."