Louth County Council marks the start of Ireland’s EU Presidency
Louth County Council has marked the start of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union with a series of flag-raising ceremonies in Dundalk, Ardee and Drogheda.
Ceremonies took place at County Hall in Dundalk, the Civic Offices in Ardee and the Civic Offices in Drogheda. The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Dolores Minogue, presided over each event.
At each ceremony, the Irish, European Union and Portuguese flags were raised. Members of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland performed the Irish National Anthem, the EU Anthem and the Portuguese National Anthem.
These events mark Ireland taking on the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. They also mark the beginning of Louth’s partnership with Portugal under the EU Presidency County Pairings Initiative. This national programme pairs each local authority in Ireland with an EU Member State. It aims to encourage engagement, cultural exchange and cooperation during the Presidency.
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.”
The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
From July to December 2026, Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union – a central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making.
For six months, Ireland will guide negotiations, broker agreement between Member States, and help deliver EU laws and policies that affect the daily lives of more than 450 million people.
This is the eighth time Ireland has held the rotating Presidency – a responsibility that reflects our enduring commitment to partnership, cooperation and progress in Europe.
Information on Ireland’s Presidency Programme, Policy Priorities and the full calendar of events taking place in Ireland and across Europe can be found on the official Irish Presidency website IRELAND2026.EU.
Communicating Europe Initiative
The Communicating Europe initiative provides funding to voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups for projects intended to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives. The Communicating Europe Initiative seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional or national level.
For more see: Ireland.ie
