Longford County Council management met with British Embassy officials

Developing links and informing local firms of Embassy services are priorities arising from meeting

Press Release: Monday, 13 May 2024

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon met with British Embassy officials earlier this month at Council offices.

Chief Executive Paddy Mahon was joined by Directors of Services Michael Nevin, Samantha Healy, and Barbara Heslin in welcoming First Secretary (Political) Jeremy Wilmshurst and his colleague Political Officer Ellen O’Donoghue Oddy to Longford.

His first visit to County Longford, Jeremy Wilmshurst noted the large number of Longford firms that are involved in direct bi-lateral trade with the United Kingdom. Mr Wilmshurst expressed a desire to see trade links strengthened further.

In offering the services of the British Embassy to Longford companies looking to expand their reach into the United Kingdom, Mr Wilmshurst also informed Council officials of the supports available to companies and support agencies. A commitment to the development of stronger links between both the British Embassy and Longford County Council was also expressed.

At the meeting, Chief Executive Paddy Mahon noted that Britain remains the main export market for most exporting companies based in County Longford, even in a post-BREXIT business environment. Furthermore, Longford companies trading in the UK are thriving and continuing to expand their reach into this very significant market.

Mr Mahon spoke proudly about the investment of Center Parcs in County Longford, the largest tourism-based capital investment in Ireland and one which is delivered by a UK company. Mr Wilmshurst’s offer to establish more formal links between the Council and the Embassy was also welcomed. Mr Mahon pledged that Longford County Council would work with local companies to ensure that they were fully informed on the range of services available through the British Embassy.