As part of the Cork County Council Government Trade and Tourism Delegation

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins met with Mr. Kevin Byrne, Head of Mission at the Consulate General of Ireland to the Midwest United States. The meeting, held yesterday in Chicago, covered a range of topics, including the introduction of a Working Holiday Authorisation allowing hospitality students from Chicago to work in Cork, as well as plans for future festivals and tourism promotion.

Mayor Collins expressed his excitement about the new Working Holiday Authorisation, saying that it would provide an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience in the hospitality industry in Cork.

Mayor Collins went on to say, "The Working Holiday Authorisation will provide an excellent opportunity for young people from the United States to experience our fantastic hospitality industry and promote cultural exchange. We look forward to seeing the benefits that this programme will bring to our region."

Mayor Collins also met with Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, President of Cook County Board of Commissioners, at the Cook County-Cork County Joint Partnership meeting.

"We had a very productive discussion with President Preckwinkle. It was a great opportunity to share ideas and collaborate on initiatives that will benefit both Cork County and Cook County," said Mayor Collins.

Yesterday's meeting in Chicago was seen as a positive step towards enhancing cultural exchange and tourism promotion between Cork County and the Midwest United States. Mayor Collins looks forward to building on this partnership and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in the future.