Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
273. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if in preparation for Ireland's hosting of the EU Presidency from July to December 2026, a venue outside of Dublin, such as Killarney, has been considered as a location for summit meetings of EU senior officials (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37096/26]
View answerIreland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December this year. The Presidency will be an opportunity for Ireland to play an important role in leading and shaping the EU’s policy and legislative agenda, and the Government has made a firm commitment to resource and deliver a successful Presidency.
Preparations for Ireland’s Presidency are continuing, including the development of the calendar of events which will take place in Ireland during our Presidency term. Planning for the Presidency meetings programme had included an assessment of the suitability of a wide range of locations as possible venues for Presidency meetings and events, taking account of specific criteria.
The Government has committed in the Programme for Government to bring some of the high-level meetings of our Presidency to cities and counties across Ireland, ensuring the entire country benefits from the profile the Presidency brings. Overall, including conferences and meetings of officials from across the 27 EU Member States, we expect to host more than 250 Presidency events in Ireland. The official Presidency calendar, with details of all Presidency meetings and events, will be published in June, shortly before the beginning of our Presidency term.
