Celbridge set for twinning with French city Versailles as information meeting planned for next week

By Kim O'Leary

Local Fianna Fail TD, Frank O’Rourke has stated that the process of twinning Celbridge with Versailles has commenced and he has encouraged Celbridge residents to attend an information meeting on the twinning project on Wednesday 25 of April at 8:00pm in the Kildrought Lounge.

Speaking about the planned twinning,Deputy Frank O'Rourke said: “Celbridge and Versailles have commenced the twinning process. This is a very exciting project which continues to build on the links that have already been established between both towns in the area of Education, Sports, Business, Tourism and the Equine Industry. The modern concept of town twinning is that it is intended to foster friendship and understanding between different cultures and in some cases between former foes. Twining also encourages trade and tourism.”

It is understood that the information meeting on 25 April will summarise the opportunities for Celbridge.

“All Celbridge residents, including business people, voluntary and community groups, sporting organisations etc are all invited. I have worked hard with my colleagues Amanda Bane, Cllr Michael Coleman and Jarlath Daly with the support of Kildare County Council and the Celbridge/Leixlip MD to assist this project to this stage and now we need to move it forward and plan comprehensively for this Twinning. I encourage as many as possible to attend this meeting on the 25th April as if you are in Celbridge, this information meeting is as much for you as this is for Celbridge. Twinning can derive much benefit for Celbridge, and the more inclusive we make the process the better," concluded Deputy O’Rourke.

Located west of central Paris, Versailles was the de facto capital of the Kingdom of France for over a century, from 1682 to 1789, before becoming the cradle of the French Revolution.

It now gets millions of tourists every year visiting its iconic Château de Versailles and the gardens of Versailles - designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.