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Donegal Diaspora drive
launched in Boston
25.04.08
THE Derry Donegal
Diaspora project to attract inward investment to the
North West had its US launch this week in Boston.
The Mayor of Donegal joined his Derry counterpart in
Massachusetts where they called on the region’s
diaspora in the US to help create a stronger economy
in the North West. Lieutenant Governor of
Massachusetts, Timothy P Murray attended the event
as guest of honour.
Project co-ordinator Aeidín McCarter encouraged the
Diaspora to sign up to a network of individuals,
businesses and agencies with connections to
Derry/Donegal, and learn more abut investment
opportunities in the region.
The Diaspora project has previously held successful
events in Dublin and London, where over 300 key
players signed up to join the project’s network. |
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Donegal Mayor, Cllr.
John Boyle said this region had been hit hard by
emigration but that those who left could still
contribute to a positive future.
"We must remember that our Diaspora is an important
resource now and for the future," he said, adding
that the two councils along with development
agencies in Derry/Donegal must continue to
co-operate on a cross-border basis to promote
economic development in the region.
Also speaking at the US launch was Henry McGarvey,
managing director of Pramerica Systems in
Letterkenny. He urged the Derry Donegal Diaspora to
sign up to the project network, to use the influence
they have for the region and to encourage others to
do the same.
The Diaspora project is part of a wider economic
programme - Ireland North West - Making Business
Happen. Cllr. Marian McDonald, chairperson of the
North West Region Cross Border Group, which provided
€790,000 through the European Union’s INTERREG IIIA
fund, said the group was delighted to fund a project
“which unites agencies across the border, and which
reaches out in such a concrete way to draw our
Diaspora into the North West economy". |
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