dlr Framework for Twinning and International Relations

On April 13th 2026, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) adopted a framework for Twinning and International Relations.

DLR has twinning links with the County of Ynys Mon (Anglesey) in Wales and Brest in Brittany / Breizh (1984) and also signed a friendship agreement with Izumo in Japan (2008). Most recently, DLR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop co-operation and links with Chengdu in China and a Cooperation Convention Agreement with Vincennes (France) in 2017.

It is proposed that any future International relations or twinning activity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown should build on the experiences and learnings from the previous DLR Twinning & International Relations Framework (2017 – 2023) and support the progression of the relevant goals and objectives of the DLRCC Corporate Plan (2025 - 2029) and the DLR Local Economic & Community Plan (2023 – 2028).

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council seeks to facilitate and enable local organisation to lead the development of a range of informal links with towns and cities.

In considering any new linkages with international partners, the following approach and objectives are proposed to be considered as policy objectives for International relations or twinning

Any proposed new links or relationships (from formal twinning / friendship agreements) will be expected to demonstrate that they achieve the following criteria and contribute to delivering on one or more of the objectives set out

Policy Criteria:

• Shared similarities and characteristics identified between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and proposed candidate area, including but not limited to proximity to coast, mountains, transport links and size of population,

• Mutual shared interest and support from community/ business groups for partnership, with leader(s) and resources identified for each area,

• Clear objectives that achieve bilateral discernible community, education and economic benefit for the collaboration between DLR and the proposed candidate area,

• Proposed municipality is aligned with DLRCC Local Economic and Community Plan goals and objectives,

• Proposed municipality is aligned with one or more of the Specific Policy objectives below,

• Proposed municipality establish a ‘Friends of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’ organisation with community, education, cultural and economic representation to support the collaboration,

• Both parties to the agreement have adequate financial and human resources for the duration of the agreement.

• Locations should be directly accessible to optimise costs and/or travel time for regular travel by community, sporting, educational and cultural groups.

• No barriers to engagement and delivery are evident.

Policy Objectives:

Objective 1:   Pursue balanced development of the local economy and enhance the business environment to build a creative, inclusive and robust economy

Objective 2:   Realise the County’s potential as a sustainable tourism destination and protect and support the County’s heritage and creative sector

Objective 3:   Create a climate resilient County by promoting and delivering best practice in climate action, biodiversity, and the circular economy

Objective 4:   Promote a healthy, inclusive and diverse County that supports good physical health and mental wellbeing across all our communities