Hosted by the Brehon Law Society of Philadelphia in collaboration with the Western Development Commission (WDC ), Mayo County Council, and NUI Galway, the US/Ireland Legal Symposium recently took place in Westport. The two day event included a mix of Irish and American lawyers, business consultants, and businesses operating in both Ireland and the United States who came together to address topics essential for international business exchange between both countries.
The symposium, chaired by Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, addressed themes including import/export regulations, legal trends in the US and Ireland, and investing in energy. In an exclusive for the event, panellist John McKeon of Ardilaun Energy announced a significant agreement acquiring a considerable portfolio of offshore oil and gas assets in the Porcupine Basin, with the potential to deliver national energy independence and to make Ireland a net exporter of energy resources.
Speaking at the conference dinner guest of honour, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said; “I am delighted to welcome The Brehon Law Society back to Mayo in this, the year of the Gathering. Engagements such as the US/Ireland Legal Symposium connecting Ireland’s diaspora with the creativity of Irish minds offers great potential for Ireland’s future success.”
Cathaoirleach of Westport Town Council Michael McLaughlin, who formally welcomed the group to Westport, remarked; “Gatherings like this are a great way to strengthen our ancestral roots, to establish old connections and create new ones. There is something about revisiting our roots that leaves a compelling mark on one’s psyche.”
The WDC and Mayo County Council were key players in bringing this symposium back to the west of Ireland. Peter Hynes, Mayo county manager, commented: “We were delighted to see such great co-operation between the brightest of Irish and American legal minds, networking, sharing their experiences and building on relationships that I have no doubt will grow and flourish. Facilitating events such as the US/Ireland Legal Symposium with a world class line up of speakers is important for the region, creating a synergy with Government plans for trade, tourism, and investment.”
The chairman of the WDC Paddy McGuinness added: “We are delighted to support this prestigious event which gives the WDC an opportunity to meaningfully engage with international Diaspora communities and dovetails with our work on www.lookwest.ie promoting Ireland’s western region as a great place to live, work, and do business in.”
