WICKLOW WELCOMES DUTCH AMBASSADOR

Wicklow County Council welcomed the Dutch Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency, Adriaan Palm, to Wicklow town today (Tuesday 22^nd March).

The visit by the Ambassador was in conjunction with a trade delegation of leading Dutch maritime companies who are visiting Ireland in order to identify trade, investment and collaboration opportunities within the Irish offshore wind sector. 

The delegation has a particular focus on bottom-fixed offshore wind and port development, making County Wicklow an ideal location for their visit.

The Dutch delegation consists of 14 companies and was led by Arjen Schutten, Managing Director, Holland Home of Wind Energy, and Kees Mokveld, Advisor, International Clean Energy Partnership (ICEP), at Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

The Ambassador was welcomed to Wicklow by the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley who described “the honour of showcasing County Wicklow to our European neighbours”.

Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, advised the delegation on the “growth of offshore wind developments off the coast of County Wicklow which places Wicklow firmly on the map as a leader in the renewable energy sector”. 

The Ambassador was surprised and delighted when Ms Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise, Wicklow LEO, welcomed him to Wicklow County Council in their shared native tongue. 

The delegation received a number of presentations in Wicklow County Council focusing on a case study of Codling Windpark and the Transformation Wicklow Port before departing for Tinakilly House Hotel where they were treated to a Wicklow Naturally drinks reception, with all refreshments prepared using locally produced food and beverages.

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