China junket takes in Hong Kong

THE eight-member group representing Limerick County Council in China on a junket to further links with Shanghai will also be spending several days and nights in Hong Kong, it emerged last night.

The group, made up of six county councillors, the county manager and a senior official, went to China with the stated aim of developing cultural and business links with the Jiading district of Shanghai.

However, it has emerged that the party will spend two full days and three nights in Hong Kong, where they are due tomorrow.

Flights alone for the eight have cost the taxpayer €3,000 for each of the group.

In total, the junket is expected to cost the taxpayer over €32,000.

Before departing Shannon on Tuesday, members of the delegation defended the decision to go to Shanghai, stating that the council had major responsibilities in the area of industrial promotion.

When contacted by the Irish Examiner about the visit on Monday the county council made no mention of a visit to Hong Kong.

The council spoke about furthering contacts with Shanghai.

The group consists of Cllr Michael Collins (FF), Cllr Kevin Sheehan (FF), Cllr John Gallahue (FF), Cllr Mary Jackman (FG), Cllr Mary Harty (FG), Cllr Brigid Teefy (PD), county manager Ned Gleeson and senior planning officer Jimmy Feane.

A spokesman for Limerick County Council yesterday confirmed the group is visiting Hong Kong during their trip to China.

He said it will leave Shanghai tomorrow and spend the remainder of their visit in Hong Kong.