Wednesday, 25 June 2025
On the morning of Tuesday, 24th June, Donegal County Council welcomed a distinguished delegation from Bursa, Türkiye, marking a significant step forward in international cooperation and knowledge sharing between the two regions.
The delegation from Bursa was led by Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and included key officials such as Seden Bozbey, Mayor’s wife; Pınar Işıkyıldız, Head of Foreign Relations Department; Ali Alper Makam, Head of Environmental Protection and Control Department; Aytunç Esendemirci, Chief of Staff; Senol Kaynar (Security); and Professor Aylin Poroy Arsoy from Bursa Uludag University.
Joining the meeting from Donegal County Council were Cllr. Pauric Mc Garvey, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District; Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development, Information Systems and Fire Service; Eunan Quinn, Senior Executive Planner; Edward Gallagher, Assistant Chief Fire Officer; Michael Scott, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer; Caitriona Strain, General Manager of ERNACT; and Eoin Leonard, Diaspora Officer.
The meeting also featured Dr. Padraig Gallagher, Head of Research & Innovation at ATU Donegal, who has collaborated closely with Bursa Uludag University on numerous projects over a number of years.
A series of presentations and discussions took place throughout the morning, focusing primarily on the exchange of expertise in the areas of urban planning, environmental protection, and major emergency response planning. The session provided an invaluable platform for both parties to share knowledge and explore future avenues of collaboration.
Mayor Bozbey extended a warm invitation for a delegation from Donegal to visit Bursa, highlighting the strong potential for ongoing partnership. Both regions are exploring collaborative opportunities through ERNACT (European Network of Regions for the Application of Communications Technologies), which offers a framework to further their joint initiatives.
This engagement underscores Donegal County Council’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that enhance regional development, innovation, and community resilience.
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