LIMERICK City and County Council has signed a memorandum of understanding with Santa Clara, California to formulate a sister city relationship to strengthen economic and civic ties between the two cities.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Kevin Sheahan recently signed the agreement with Mayor of Santa Clara Jamie Matthews at the Sister Cities International Conference in California.
The agreement aims to increase economic development, cultural exchanges, educational opportunities and technical exchanges between both cities.
Limerick man John Hartnett – now an influential figure in Silicon Valley and the driving force behind a range of initiatives and organisations, including the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) – initiated links between Limerick and Santa Clara seven years ago.
Cllr Sheahan explained that one of the key actions from the ITLG conference held in Limerick in January was to deepen the connection between Limerick and the heart of Silicon Valley.
“This effective partnership between the ITLG and Limerick will enhance job creation opportunities for Limerick and Mid West-based businesses and share resources such as expert knowledge and specialist facilities.
He continued: “Being a sister city of Santa Clara provides us with an opportunity to promote Limerick in Silicon Valley and opens us to more partnering and investment opportunities with US companies.”
