Council to consider extension of Massachusetts trade mission

Kerry County Council will explore the possibility of a three-council trade mission to Massachusetts in September.

The delegation will visit The Big E trade fair on the east coast of the United States for five days in September.

However, at the recent council meeting, several councillors who were unable to attend said the planning had been rushed and that councillors therefore did not have enough time to properly sell Kerry.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald, the Mayor of Tralee, Cllr Mikey Sheehy, and the Cathaoirleach of Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District, Cllr Fionnán Fitzgerald will be visiting West Springfield, Massachusetts for the Big E Exposition.

The trade mission will last from Friday 13 September to Tuesday 17 September.

The Big E is the largest event on the East Coast and the seventh largest trade show in North America.

The fair includes an immersive Ireland adventure, a Dingle Peninsula Showcase, a Mingle with Dingle event and a series of events to promote Kerry as an economic, cultural and tourism destination.

The delegation will also meet with Democratic Congressman Richard Neil, who himself has close ties to Kerry.

Christy O’Connor, Director of Corporate Services at Kerry County Council, says there is recognition that “Kerry needs to significantly raise its profile” on both the tourism and economic fronts.

Councillor Niall Kelleher said such a busy schedule would mean meetings would be cut short and extending the trip with a day programme would make the trip much more successful.

Councillor Norma Moriarty said it would be “negligent not to take enough time”.

Councillor Jackie Healy Rae said adding an extra day would not significantly increase the current cost of €1,900 (£1,600) per delegate.