Waterford has officially joined the Irish Network of Learning Cities (INLC), becoming the newest member of the all-island partnership committed to promoting lifelong learning and inclusive educational opportunities for all citizens. 

This took place at a ceremony hosted by Waterford City and County Council last week to celebrate the city’s designation as a UNESCO Learning City, during which local representatives signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)

The Irish Network of Learning Cities brings together Belfast, Cork, Derry City and Strabane, Dublin, Limerick, and now Waterford, in a shared commitment to advance learning as a driver of personal, social, and economic development. It marks a new chapter of collaboration across the island.

Cllr Seamus Ryan, Mayor of Waterford, expressed pride in joining the network, saying, “I am delighted to be here as Mayor of Waterford, but also as a former librarian, to officially join the Irish Network of Learning Cities. I am very passionate about lifelong learning and the benefits of remaining curious throughout your whole life. Signing this MoU strengthens Waterford’s commitment to play our part in working towards a Learning region in the southeast of Ireland with our Learning City neighbours, Cork and Limerick. It also strengthens our shared commitment to leading lifelong learning efforts across the island of Ireland with Learning Cities Dublin, Belfast, Derry City and Strabane.”

Welcoming Waterford to the Network, Deputy Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald said, “On behalf of Cork Learning City, I am delighted to be here today to warmly welcome our Waterford Learning City neighbours to this important and valuable network”

Laura Power, Learning City Project Manager, based at South East Technological University (SETU), said “This is a very exciting time for Waterford as the newest Learning City to join the Irish Network of Learning Cities. This MoU is a representation of how committed Waterford is to not only integrate lifelong learning within our city, but to learn from, and share best practice with, our fellow learning cities.”

The Irish Network of Learning Cities was first established in 2019, uniting Ireland’s designated UNESCO Learning Cities under a shared MoU. The Network is grounded in the principles of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), which promotes lifelong learning as a foundation for sustainable development, equity, and wellbeing.

Representatives from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Belfast, and Derry City and Strabane also extended warm congratulations, welcoming Waterford’s energy, creativity, and commitment to lifelong learning.

The expanded network now includes six member cities, each recognised internationally by UNESCO for their leadership in lifelong learning. Together, they will continue to collaborate, share knowledge, and celebrate the achievements of learners across the island of Ireland.

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