Republican News · Thursday 31 January 2002

Ferris seeks to strengthen Tralee-Springfield ties

Meeting with Congressman Richard Neal and Mayor Michael Albano and City Council members, Sinn Féin TD for North Kerry Martin Ferris last week initiated discussions aimed at strengthening the twin town relationship between Tralee and Springfield, Massachusetts.

During a luncheon and reception hosted by the Democratic Congressman and the World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts, Martin Ferris discussed enlarging the culturally based twin town relationship to include an economic development agenda for Kerry and Springfield. "Tralee and Springfield have much in common -- a proud sense of community, young people who want to be part of determining their future and a shared commitment to sustainable economic development,ª he said. ´With this in mind, it makes good sense to strengthen and expand the relationship to include an economic development agenda. Kerry has a vibrant and talented workforce who stand to benefit from good jobs and Springfield has the same."

Congressman Neal initiated the twin town relationship when he was Mayor of Springfield in the 1980s and is passionate about using the Tralee-Springfield model to create better opportunities for both towns in these difficult economic times. Meeting with Mayor Michael Albano and City Councillor Timothy Rooke, Ferris proposed a trade delegation to Kerry with a view to holding an investment conference in the autumn.

"Let's be honest, the Tralee-Listowel corridor has been neglected by the IDA and its development strategy and with all its resources, Kerry is a well kept secret. We have made massive improvements to infrastructure and have a talent pool and an institute of technology which will support a variety of employers," said Ferris.

Following a previous meeting last spring, Ferris met with a potential investor in the manufacturing sector who is presently conducting a feasibility study for investment in Kerry. Ferris was in the United States as part of a Sinn Féin delegation to the US to brief members of Congress, the public, the media and business representatives on the peace process.