As Ireland takes over the Presidency of the European Council today, our local authorities look set to mark the occasion.
Hundreds of meetings of European Ministers and leaders are expected while our country takes the reins of the rotating six-month offering which was last on our island in 2013.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has set out three main policy platforms of competitiveness, values and security for the term – he hosts the Council President Antonio Costa in Dublin later before the official launch of the Presidency – which will take place at Dublin Castle.
Carlow Kilkenny Deputy Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere’s among those attending;
Some protests are planned for the area by groups who are wary of the increasing defence co-operation in Europe and what it means for Irish neutrality.
Yesterday, we told of survey results announced by the European Parliament which indicated most people here would vote again to keep Ireland in the EU.
Locally, Kilkenny County Council will hold a flag raising ceremony this morning with Cathaoirleach Joe Malone leading proceedings at County Hall while his son Jamie’s among those involved in the Dublin festivities as he’s been outlining for KCLR News;
Kilkenny has linked up with Romania for the six-month duration while counterparts in Carlow have teamed with Luxembourg.
