Locations discussed for ‘Nextopolis’ included an area between Drogheda and Dundalk in County Louth; a site to the east of Galway city; an area just north of Limerick city; a plot outside Waterford city; a site to the east of Cork; and an area near Killarney and Tralee in County Kerry.

This morning.

The Times revealed that six locations in Ireland were discussed by government officials as possible sites for a new autonomous city named Nextpolis proposed by a wealthy Hong Kong businessman.

Via The Times:

The Department of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the Victoria Harbour Group (VHG), an international charter city investment company, since December about a plan to create a city from scratch that would be home to tens of thousands of Hong Kong residents.

Documents released under freedom of information laws show that a series of meetings have taken place in Ireland and Hong Kong in recent months about sourcing a 500 sq km area of land for the new city.

Tim Mawe, regional director in the Asia Pacific Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs, replied: “Many thanks for your message and for the interesting conversation last week.” He added: “As regards Sim City [The proposed city was referred to as Sim City in its early stages,], I note that you will be in touch with David [Costello, Ireland’s consul in Hong Kongl and I again. At that point, we can see what to do next.”

Thud.

Hong Kong security law: Officials discussed six sites for autonomous city in Ireland (Ben Haugh, The Times)

Meanwhile..

… the city would have an initial population of between 50,000 but would grow to 500,000 over 20 years, with at least 50 per cent made of people from Hong Kong, and 15-30 per cent from Ireland and Europe. It states the city would have a “free reforming economic system” within Ireland; an independent relationship with the EU; control of its own borders; a low and simple taxation system; no foreign exchange control; and an emphasis on “ease of setting up and conducting businesses”.

Gulp.

吞咽.

Top pic: Getty