Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has voted to forge a formal relationship with the French region of Pays du Coquelicot, dismissing an officer recommendation to spend £30,000 on a study first.

The vote took place at a meeting in Mossley Mill on Monday evening. An officer’s report had recommended commissioning the report to assess developing a formal link with Pays du Coquelicot, enhancing collaboration with Dorsten in Germany, and identifying potential partner cities or regions within Ireland and the UK.

Macedon Ulster Unionist councillor Robert Foster led the counter-proposal, arguing that the council already had a significant opportunity of engagement with the region. He described Pays du Coquelicot as a major aerospace player with cultural ties to the Somme and a sizeable tourist draw. Foster said a delegation had already attended an airshow there, work had been done, and another study would be a waste of money. He urged the council to progress the link at speed, noting that the partner was pushing for the relationship.

Threemilewater DUP councillor Mark Cooper seconded Foster’s proposal, suggesting links could also be developed with counties Cavan and Monaghan, referencing earlier cross-border work through the Peace IV initiative.

Antrim Ulster Unionist councillor Leah Kirkpatrick called the proposed link a fantastic opportunity and said it was frustrating to see it listed for further assessment when she saw no need for it.

Macedon Alliance councillor Billy Webb proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation. He said from a governance perspective, the council should not jump on a wish list of places and should take time to get a report. Chief executive Richard Baker noted the council does not have dedicated resources for international relations. Glengormley Ulster Unionist alderman Mark Cosgrove said the council was not doing anything on the hoof.

Webb’s amendment fell by 13 votes in favour to 22 against. Foster’s proposal was then carried by 22 votes in favour to 13 against.

The borough already has a Sister City link with Gilbert, Arizona, is twinned with Dorsten, Germany and Rybnik, Poland, and maintains a friendship with Leshan, China. The relationship with Gilbert is the most active, with a youth exchange programme being the only activity undertaken and budgeted for annually. Members also noted a mayoral visit to Rybnik in June and an invitation for a reciprocal visit.