Twinning Dublin with Kyiv would cement the bond between two European nations

As the citizens of Kyiv and its elected government defend their city from a Russian onslaught, Fine Gael councillors on Dublin City Council are seeking to have Dublin twinned with the Ukraine capital.

Speaking before the vote, Fine Gael councillor James Geoghegan said that the origin of twinning historically across Europe was to repair relationships after World War 2 amongst European cities and towns.

“This may be one of the last opportunities, but hopefully not, for Dublin to twin with a free and independent Kyiv.

“We have a chance to demonstrate to Ukrainian people abroad, and at home, the deep ties that our people wish to foster with our fellow Europeans who are fighting to protect freedoms that we all enjoy.”

Dublin is currently twinned with Beijing in China, and has an informal agreement with St Petersburg in Russia, a city which has seen Russians protesting against the war.

“Ireland has already taken the historical step of supplying equipment to the Ukrainians in support of their defence, and we have opened our doors to fleeing refugees. Twinning with Kiev is just another step to cement the bond between our two European nations”, Cllr Geoghegan concluded.

Cllr Ray McAdam said that he hoped the twinning of Dublin and Kyiv will create the basis for helping them to rebuild when the war is over.

“Hopefully other European capitals might follow suit so that cities as well as countries can work together in helping the people of Ukraine.”

The Lord Mayor accepted the Fine Gael councillors’ emergency motion on Friday, and it will now be voted on at the monthly Dublin City Council meeting in the Mansion House on Monday night.

Text of the Motion:

That Dublin City Council;

• agrees to initiate the relevant procedures required under [Local Government Act 2001, Section 75] and agree, in principle, pending the legislative requirements being met, to seek to enter into a twinning arrangement with Kyiv, and does so to demonstrate our undivided solidarity with the elected government and people of a free and independent Ukraine;
• resolutely condemns in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s ongoing illegal, unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against and invasion of Ukraine;
• welcomes the decision taken by all EU Member States to support Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against the Russian aggressors; and
• agrees to fly the Ukrainian Flag over City Hall and the Mansion House as further symbolism of our united stance with Ukraine and our soon to be twinned city of Kyiv.

Cllr James Geoghegan

Cllr Ray McAdam

Cllr Danny Byrne

Cllr Anne Feeney;

Cllr Declan Flanagan

Cllr Terence Flanagan

Cllr Paddy McCartan

Cllr Naoise Ó Muirí

Cllr Colm O’Rourke