Festival of the Sea 2006 celebrates
Newfoundland and Labrador-Ireland connection  

The Irish Loop and Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Boards (REDBs), in partnership with the Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) and with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will host the second annual Festival of the Sea, September 15 � 23, 2006 .  This event will highlight and promote the many historical, community and economic connections between the southern Avalon and the counties of Waterford and Wexford in Ireland .  

Preliminary details of the festival were announced at a news conference this morning.  Clyde Jackman, Minister of Environment and Conservation; Fabian Manning, MP for Avalon, Pat Curran, Executive Director of the Irish Loop Development Board; and Calvin Manning, Executive Director of the Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Corporation; joined with community representatives of the southern Avalon for the announcement.  

�The Festival of the Sea provides a prime opportunity to exchange ideas on social and economic development issues between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland ,� said Minister Jackman, on behalf of the Ireland Business Partnerships.  �The festival has the potential to become a permanent linkage, celebrating the shared culture and heritage of the southern Avalon with that of Ireland �s Waterford and Wexford counties.  It is a positive and visible expression of the renewed commitment to the relationship already established between the Republic of Ireland and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador .�  

�This festival will provide an opportunity to celebrate the Irish culture and influence in Newfoundland and to look for ways to capitalize on it for the benefit of our communities and people,� said MP Manning on behalf of Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ACOA.  �It will also give us the chance to hear more about the lessons learned by the �Irish Tiger� and translate those lessons to our own regional economic development.�  

"We are very impressed by the high level of interest here in traveling to Newfoundland and Labrador for the Festival of the Sea,� said Michael Ahern, Minister of Trade and Commerce for Ireland , and Chairman of the Ireland Newfoundland Partnership.  �In addition to the some 50 participants, including experts for the four conference events, together with musicians, singers and dancers, we expect to have another 70 representatives or more, comprising friends, supporters and relatives, all eager to see and experience the land settled by their ancestors, which they have heard so much about."  

The Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) is the Irish government's equivalent to the IBP and a significant Festival of the Sea partner. Its sponsorship will allow almost 50 Irish community leaders, scholars and entertainers to participate in the 2006 event.  

�The Festival of the Sea represents a unique partnership among regions and communities on the southern Avalon,� said Festival co-chairperson Pat Curran.  �The festival will build on our shared heritage and strengthen relations with one another.�  Co-chairperson Calvin Manning agreed, saying �The festival enables us to link our regions in an ongoing way with Ireland through partnership and collaboration.�  

Festival highlights include forums and discussions on community development, Newfoundland and Labrador-Ireland concerts, and guided walking tours of attractions and historic sites. It is anticipated this festival will become a major Irish/Newfoundland and Labrador event, continuing to attract academics, economic developers, performers and visitors alike.  

A key objective of the Festival of the Sea is to explore common interests, opportunities and challenges to living in coastal communities in times of change.  Issues around sustainable community development are a main focus, with both provincial and Irish community leaders placing great emphasis on discussing various challenges and opportunities for economic development in their communities.  There is also a strong cultural component to the festival, drawing visitors through a series of readings, storytelling, and traditional song and dance.  

The festival alternates each year between Ireland and this province.  The inaugural event was held May 27 � June 6, 2005 in Waterford-Wexford , Ireland , and was attended by a delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador .  Delegates actively participated in various lectures, symposiums and performances hosted by various communities throughout the Irish counties.  

The festival will be held in various locations across the southern Avalon including communities such as Ferryland, Renews, Trepassey, St. Mary�s, St. Bride�s, Cuslett and Placentia .  

The IBP is contributing $60,000 toward the festival, with ACOA providing $50,000 in assistance.  

The mandate of IBP is to assist provincial companies and organizations interested in developing economic, cultural and educational opportunities with Ireland by identifying common interests and complementary skills; increasing awareness and collaboration between businesses, cultural agencies and educational institutions; and exchanging up-to-date information on the economy, legislation and regulations.  The IBP also identifies strategic business alliances through marketing agreements, joint ventures and technology transfer opportunities, and develops linkages between the public and private sectors in both Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland .  

Media contact:

Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570, 690-6290
Doug Burgess, Director of Public Affairs, ACOA, (709) 772-2935
Pat Curran, Irish Loop REDB, (709) 438-2898  

2006 06 27                                                        10:00a.m.