European Town Twinning conference opens in Downpatrick

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA, today officially opened the ‘Town Twinning for Everyone’ Conference at the St Patrick Centre, Downpatrick.

Organised by the Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group it focuses on how town twinning can help promote greater social inclusion and direct exchanges between European citizens.

Addressing the conference, Margaret Ritchie said: “I am pleased to be here today among so many fellow Europeans to share best practice and develop personal relationships. This conference helps to foster friendships and mutual understanding. It helps establish how to encourage more people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to take a more active citizenship role within the EU.

“Tackling social disadvantage and inequality in our communities and within our families is a key priority for me. This conference will help identify the social inclusion policies of the EU over the past 50 years so that we can work together to make a difference in the lives of so many disadvantaged people.”

The conference brings together people from different countries under the EU banner. It was attended by representatives from Bezons (France) Michalowice (Poland) Chiari (Italy), Arges Region (Romania), Szekszard (Hungary), Jelgava in Latvia and Listowel, Co Kerry,

Notes to Editors:

1. The Downpatrick Listowel Linkage Group has been established as a North South Town Twinning Group with Listowel in Co Kerry since 1984. Town Twinning is supported through the “Europe for Citizens” Programme 2007-2013.
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 /07920 187938. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.