The Italian connection .... Meath's EU Presidency programme launches

Flag-raising ceremony at Buvinda House

County Meath’s programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union was marked this morning with a special EU Presidency Flag Raising Ceremony at Buvinda House, Navan.

As part of the national County Pairings initiative, County Meath has been paired with Italy, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, community engagement and international collaboration throughout the Presidency period.

The Italian Ambassador to Ireland, Nicola Faganello, and the Ambassador of Ireland to Italy Elizabeth McCullough, joined Meath County Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Sarah Reilly, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence with special responsibility for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne the event which featured the raising of the Irish, European and Italian flags marked the beginning of a six-month programme of activities across the county.

Over the coming months, Meath County Council will deliver a range of initiatives celebrating the county’s European connections, including library programmes, community events, cultural activities and civic engagements. Among the highlights of the programme will be a series of flagship events in October, bringing together civic, cultural and community stakeholders to celebrate the unique relationship between Meath and Italy while showcasing the county's rich heritage, culture and international connections.

Cllr Sarah Reilly, said: “Today marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for County Meath as we celebrate Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Through our partnership with Italy, we have a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections, build new friendships and celebrate the values that unite our communities. We are delighted to welcome Ambassadors Faganello and McCullough to Meath to help reaffirm that commitment.

“This programme is about creating opportunities for people across Meath to connect with Europe through culture, education, community participation and shared experiences.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, TD, said: “My priority throughout our EU Presidency is to show people right across Ireland that the EU has a positive impact on their lives, whether you are a teacher, a farmer, a business owner, or a healthcare worker.

“Our County Pairings Initiative will do this by highlighting existing connections between Meath and Italy, such as in our food, culture and tourism sectors. I hope that in six months’ time, our people, businesses and cultural institutions will share closer bonds as a result of Meath County Council’s ambitious Presidency programme.”

Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach, Foreign Affairs and Defence with special responsibility for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, TD, said: “I know how much County Meath has to offer, and I am excited by the opportunities that the EU Presidency County Pairing scheme with Italy will create into the future. As a TD for Meath, and as Ireland’s European Affairs Minister, I am deeply proud to join today’s flag raising ceremony and see our nation’s flag and our EU flag, raised outside the home of our local democracy, at Buvinda House.

“The Irish EU Presidency has proved a success to date, and I believe that part of this success is owed to our determination to have our EU Presidency rooted in communities across Ireland, including in Meath. Looking ahead, I will work incredibly hard to deliver effectively for the citizens of the EU, including here in Meath.”

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said: “Ireland’s EU Presidency provides an important platform for counties and communities to engage with Europe in a meaningful way. County Meath is proud to be participating in this initiative and to be paired with Italy, a country with which we share strong cultural and economic ties.

“This programme will create valuable opportunities for cultural exchange, civic engagement and international cooperation while showcasing Meath as a dynamic, welcoming and ambitious county. We look forward to working with our partners and welcoming visitors to Meath as part of this important national initiative.”

Further details on County Meath’s EU Presidency programme will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Meath Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Camnpaign held a protest at the ceremony.

Further coverage in next week's Meath Chronicle