A delegation of elected officials and city representatives from Galway, Ireland, visited the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) main office building on August 12 to learn about the MWRD’s innovative approaches to stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and water resource recovery as Galway considers ways to improve its own systems. 

The visit highlighted the nearly three-decade tie between Chicago and Galway through the Sister Cities program and celebrated the spirit of collaboration that has long connected the Windy City with Ireland’s vibrant west coast.

MWRD Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn and Finance Chairman Marcelino Garcia hosted the delegation, which included Galway City Council members Peter Keane, Derek Pender, Sally O’Brien and Fergal Cushen representing Galway City Council, as well as members of the city’s tourism and international relations office. Their visit reflected Galway’s ongoing commitment to learning from international partners and strengthening global relationships, a hallmark of Irish civic engagement.

“As someone whose parents and husband came from Ireland, County Kerry and Louth, it’s especially meaningful to welcome our friends from Galway to the MWRD,” said Vice President Flynn. “Our Galway friends experienced some torrential storms and regional flooding while in Chicago. This is also a rising problem for Galway, where it is our hope to collaborate soon on this issue. Our work may be an ocean apart, but we share the same commitment to protecting our communities, strengthening our infrastructure and improving our water environment.”

As part of their Chicago tour, the officials visited the MWRD’s control room, where staff monitor weather conditions and their potential impacts on operations. Executive Director John Murray and other MWRD officials provided a presentation to explain the agency’s efforts to manage stormwater, treat wastewater and protect water resources. 

The visit comes as Chicago and Galway celebrate 29 years as sister cities. The delegation was accompanied by Nuala Kavanagh, co-chair of Chicago Sister Cities International, and Maya Meade, senior manager of Global Strategic Initiatives at World Business Chicago. Together, they reaffirmed the deep cultural and civic bonds that have been nurtured since 1997, relationships enriched by Galway’s storied tradition of hospitality, creativity, and community spirit.

“Across the globe, water infrastructure is increasingly strained by more frequent flooding and the intensifying impacts of climate change,” said Chairman Garcia. “From the Galway leaders, we learned that when their water services transitioned to a national system under Irish Water, the shift required a careful balance—maintaining high-quality service while building long-term resilience through strategic planning and close collaboration with municipal partners.” 

The visit provided an opportunity for officials from Galway and Chicago to share ideas and learn from each other’s approaches to environmental protection, infrastructure, and community resilience. Chicago Sister Cities International, an initiative of World Business Chicago, supports Chicago’s global relationships and promotes international collaboration rooted in mutual respect and cultural appreciation.

“For 137 years, our work to protect Chicago’s treasured natural resources has positioned the MWRD as a global leader in water management,” said President Kari K. Steele. “That leadership continues to open doors for international collaboration, allowing us to share our expertise and learn new ways to innovate and enhance our water environment at home and abroad. We are grateful to Chicago Sister Cities International and World Business Chicago for helping make this important exchange possible.”

Galway is located on Ireland’s west coast along Galway Bay and has a population of approximately 86,000. It is a center for tourism, education and culture. Known for its festivals, rugged coastline, and rich artistic heritage, Galway continues to build on its international partnerships to strengthen its future and share its unique Irish character with the world.