Bertie Ahern to be special guest at AILG conference in Kilkenny

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will be a special guest at next week’s AILG Annual Conference, being held in Kilkenny.

Mr Ahern will be interviewed by broadcaster Mary Kennedy and take part in a panel discussion to mark the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Hundreds of local councillors from across the country will attend the Kilkenny event as members of the AILG - Association of Irish Local Government.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, is the current President of AILG.

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Kilkenny’s local economy will receive a welcome boost this week from the AILG 2023 Annual National Conference, on April 19 and 20, in Hotel Kilkenny.
Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, AILG President, said it will be an ‘honour’ to welcome his fellow delegates to the county and show them all that Kilkenny has to offer.

“AILG is the national representative body for the 949 City and County Councillors across Ireland and we are a networking, policy development and training resource for the elected members. It is looking like we will have over 300 delegates here, which is absolutely brilliant for local businesses and also for the promotion of Kilkenny City and the surrounding areas.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase all our amenities and local attractions in Kilkenny and to send out a positive message about this great county.”

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The two-day training conference will contain a packed programme of discussion about the key challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

The special interview with former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is just one of the planned events. Other speakers will include Minister Kieran O’Donnell, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alison Allen, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, Sgt Peter McConnon, Crime Prevention Officer, Breda Maher, Regional Co-ordinator of the Climate Action Regional Office, and Paul O’Brien, IFA.

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Discussion topics during the seminar will include delivering housing – rural and urban regeneration, delivering on Local Authority Climate Action Plans, and An All Island Approach, Addressing Threats, Harassment and Abuse of Councillors.