As Honorary Consul of Poland in Cork, I look forward to working closely with the Polish community in the counties of Cork, Kerry and Waterford of which my appointment covers. I aim in my role as Honorary Consul, to strengthen the links between our people and our countries in the areas of business, tourism, education, culture and employment.

Hence, my goals as Honorary Consul are:

To assist the Polish community in the Cork, Kerry and Waterford areas of which my appointment covers and support the strong and existing integration policies that are in place in each county. The Polish community is a strong and vibrant community in Ireland.

To advocate the interests of the Polish people and the Polish Government with respect to the people of this region, and among the Irish people generally.

To promote Polish culture and celebrate Polish historical anniversaries in this region.

To strengthen relationships between Polish and Irish groups in this region in the areas of Business, Commerce, Trade, Employment, Culture, Education, Travel and Tourism.

To promote the establishment of new businesses for the Polish community in this region with the specific aim of creating employment and ensuring that the ‘Can Do’ approach is maintained and expanded amongst the community in these areas.

To assist the business community and others in forging new links with all areas of Poland through active relationship with Cork Chamber, Tralee Chamber and Waterford Chamber.

To aid visiting Polish citizens who may require assistance while travelling in this region.

To seek to create a new relationship between Cork city and a city in Poland as well as expand on the existing twinning links between towns in Cork, Kerry and Waterford.

To promote greater media coverage for the Polish community in the region through my own publications and media interests and through partnerships with others in the media sector.

The new Polish Consular Office for the region is now open in Little Island and will serve the community as a resource for information and assistance. The new administrator of the Consular Office Monika Borys who has a well established reputation in the Polish community in Cork will co-ordinate the development of the office and seek to promote educational, cultural and business aspects in the region. Monika will also network with the Polish community in the Cork, Kerry and Waterford areas as well as other associations that will enable her to stay abreast of major intellectual and social currents that may influence or inform the Cork, Kerry and Waterford area’s Polish community.

What will be good and beneficial for Poland will be equally beneficial for this region and the Polish community living here. The number of Poles settling in the areas is growing steadily. The number of personal relationships between the Polish and Irish is also growing and the similarities of ideals and values between our two people is clear to see. There is a strong bond that has been developed in the last half decade between our people and our countries and I look forward in assisting that development in the time ahead.

I am pleased to have been involved in the last number of years in promoting the establishment of the Polish university degree courses here in Cork in which visiting professors attend for lectures of the Cork based students. Education and the empowering of Polish studies in key to the future upskilling of any nation and I believe Cork will provide its Polish community with many opportunities in the time ahead.

Michael Mulcahy

Honorary Consul

For all enquiries please contact info@polishconsulate.ie