Cork’s going Dutch!

By Ellen O’Brien

“It is a privilege to represent the Netherlands in Cork, Kerry and Limerick. These three counties will be at the forefront of Ireland’s transition to renewable energy: a process in which Dutch-Irish partnerships are already playing a valuable role."

Those were the words of Dr Val Cummins as she was announced as the new Dutch Honorary Consul for Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Dr Val Cummins is a business woman and academic who has a background in maritime and energy policy. She previously lectured on marine governance and innovation in University College Cork and is currently an Executive Director of the Simply Blue Group.

She said: “Cork has recently been host to a Dutch trade mission focused on offshore wind, and soon there will be another Dutch trade mission in the area of cycling. Business, cultural and political links are developing as the two countries look to learn from one another, and I look forward to being part of helping to develop this crucial relationship.”

Speaking at the recent inauguration event, Ambassador of the Netherlands Maaike Van Koldam highlighted the fact that both Ireland and the Netherlands aim to achieve major increases in offshore wind generation in order to achieve net zero by 2030. The long history of the Netherlands has given the country an early advantage in harnessing offshore wind power, and more and more Dutch companies are looking to the region with interest.”

Speaking about why an honorary Consul was appointed from this particular region, the ambassador said: “ Cork, Kerry and Limerick possess phenomenal resources when it comes to renewable energy. Dutch businesses have already acquired considerable expertise in developing offshore wind power in the North Sea area, and many of them are eager to become involved in the Irish offshore sector. The inauguration of an honorary consul with such expertise in this area is another example of how much attention the Netherlands is dedicating to this beautiful region.”