Photo: LCC: David Jones, Director of Services; Bernadette Woods, Director of Services; Cllr Michelle Hall, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power; Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue; Cllr Anne-Marie Ford; Cllr Paddy McQuillan; Cllr James Byrne; Joanna Kelly, Director of Services; and Gerry Collins, Louth County Council pictured with members of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland at a of flag-raising ceremony to mark the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the Civic Offices, Drogheda.
Louth County Council has marked the beginning of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a series of flag-raising ceremonies in Dundalk, Ardee and Drogheda.
Led by Cathaoirleach Cllr Dolores Minogue, the ceremonies celebrated Ireland’s six-month Presidency while also marking the start of Louth’s partnership with Portugal under the EU Presidency County Pairings Initiative, which aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between local authorities and EU member states.
The Cathaoirleach, Cllr Dolores Minogue said:
“The European Union shapes our lives in real and meaningful ways, and today’s ceremonies are a proud moment for County Louth to recognise our place in that shared European story.
Our partnership with Portugal opens the door to new connections, new ideas and new opportunities. I encourage everyone to take part, explore the events taking place, and get involved in any way you can over the coming months. Together, we can make this Presidency something that is felt and celebrated right across our communities.”
The Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland, His Excellency João Pedro Fins do Lago, added:
“I am delighted to acknowledge the launch of the Louth Portugal partnership. This pairing initiative is in my view one of the most creative and most innovative ideas of the Irish Presidency. It brings Europe closer to its citizens thereby making itself better understood, promoting active engagement, democratic participation and involvement.
It also opens new possibilities for trade, tourism, and people to people connections, establishing direct links between the diplomatic community and Ireland’s council authorities, including Louth.”
The ceremonies also mark the start of a programme of events across County Louth during Ireland’s Presidency. These events will promote awareness, understanding and engagement with the European Union.
Louth County Council’s programme of civic events is supported by funding from the Communicating Europe Initiative, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This scheme supports local authorities and organisations to increase public awareness and understanding of the European Union. It also provides funding to support activities linked to the County Pairings Programme.
Bernadette Woods, Director of Services with Louth County Council, said:
“Ireland’s EU Presidency brings real opportunities for people in County Louth, from strengthening our local economy to creating new connections across Europe.
Louth County Council is committed to making sure the Presidency is felt in our communities. Through our programme of events, supported by the Communicating Europe Initiative, we will bring these opportunities closer to people’s everyday lives.
We look forward to welcoming our partners from Portugal and showcasing the very best of County Louth while building lasting European connections.”
