I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate following the European Council meeting in December. I will focus my remarks on Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the EU and the opportunity that this presents to reconnect European policymaking with people and communities on the ground across the country. Europe is not an abstract concept; Europe is present in every city, town and village across Ireland. It is present in our roads and public transport, water and housing infrastructure, community facilities, skills and training programmes and opportunities available to young people. That connection is not always visible and it cannot be taken for granted. Ireland has enjoyed strong and consistent public support for EU membership but positive sentiment must be nurtured. If people do not see or understand how European decisions affect their daily lives, that connection can weaken. That is why engagement at the local level is so important. Local authorities are uniquely placed to play this role. They are closest to the citizens. They deliver on the ground and are often the first point of contact between citizens and public services. When local authorities are well equipped to engage with EU policy and funding, Europe becomes real and tangible for people rather than distant or abstract. In that context, I highlight the strategic role of the Irish Regions European Office, IREO. It provides a shared service for the three regional assemblies and all 31 local authorities, supports the Irish delegation to the European Committee of the Regions and acts as a vital bridge between Brussels and local government in Ireland. I welcome the recent strengthening of the office with additional staff now in place in Brussels, bringing the total to four. However, as EU policy and funding programmes become more complex and competitive, a gap remains at the local level. A proposal has been developed to support local authorities through dedicated EU officers working in regional clusters. That proposal is not yet implemented but Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency presents the ideal opportunity to advance it. A Presidency naturally raises awareness of Europe, increases engagement with EU institutions and creates momentum across the public service. It is precisely the right moment to ensure that local authorities have the tools, the expertise and the support to engage meaningfully, not just during the Presidency but long after it is concluded. If we want Europe to be visible and relevant in every community, we must empower those who work closest to the people on the ground. Strengthening local authority engagement with Europe is not just about funding. It is about trust, understanding and democratic connection. As we prepare for Ireland's EU Presidency, I urge the Government to see this as an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, one that deepens public engagement with Europe, strengthens our regions and ensures the benefits of EU membership continue to be felt, understood and valued in every part of the country.

Sentiment score: 0.45