Minister Byrne highlights Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency
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Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD centre, being welcomed to Carrickmacross Library, when he met with representatives of community groups last Friday afternoon. Included are (from left): Cllr Seamus Coyle, Cllr Aidan Campbell, Deputy David Maxwell; Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council; Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne; Cllr P.J. O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council; Senator Robbie Gallagher, Cllr Raymond Aughey, Cathal Flynn, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council and Patricia Monahan, Director of Services, Monaghan County Council.Photo: Rory Geary ©Rory GearyImage 2 of 5
Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne TD, speaking to the gathering of representatives of community groups at Carrickmacross Library. ©Rory GearyImage 3 of 5
Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Thomas Byrne, paid a visit to Coláiste Dún an Rí last Friday last. Pictured on his arrival with Emer Hanratty, Fergal Boyle: Principal, Minister Thomas Byrne TD and Olivia Clarke.8PHOTOS: ALEX COLEMAN Alex Coleman.Image 4 of 5
Minister Thomas Byrne TD along with Juris Stalmeistars Latvian Ambassador paid a visit to Coláiste Dún Na Rí on Friday last. From left: Elaine Farrelly, teacher; Senator Joe O'Reilly; Senator Diarmuid Wilson; Minister Thomas Byrne; Cllr Clifford Kelly, Juris Stalmeistars, Latvian Ambassador; Fergal Boyle: principal and Senator Robbie Gallagher. Alex Coleman.Image 5 of 5
Juris Stalmeistars, Latvian Ambassador; Cllr Clifford Kelly and Minister Thomas Byrne with students from Coláiste Dun an Rí, Kingscourt, last Friday. Alex Coleman.Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, met communities across Cavan and Monaghan last Friday as part of his nationwide outreach ahead of Ireland taking on the Presidency of the Council of the EU this July.
As preparations ramp up, Minister Byrne has been visiting schools and community groups to raise awareness of Ireland’s role in the upcoming presidency and to hear directly from people about the issues that matter to them.
During his visit, he spoke with students at St Patrick’s College in Cavan, Coláiste Dun an Rí in Kingscourt, and St Louis in Carrickmacross - sharing insights on how Ireland helps shape EU policy and listening to young people’s views on the future of Europe.
He also hosted an open community gathering at Carrickmacross Library, where he met with local residents and public representatives. Conversations focused on Ireland’s priorities for the EU Presidency and the important part the country will play in advancing key EU initiatives over the six‑month term.
The Minister encouraged young people and community members to stay engaged with EU issues and highlighted the wide variety of careers available in EU institutions. He also pointed to the Government’s 'A Career for EU' strategy, which supports Irish candidates interested in pursuing these opportunities.