Representatives from Member Groups of the Laois PPN recently met with Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs, at Portlaoise Library ahead of Ireland's hosting of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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The engagement took place as part of preparations for Ireland assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in July 2026.

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026, leading EU negotiations, hosting major events, and shaping policy priorities across Europe.

Ahead of the meeting with PPN Member Groups, the Minister was warmly welcomed to Laois by Fianna Fáil Deputy Sean Fleming, Laois County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh, elected Members of the Council and Council CEO Michael Rainey.

Also in attendance were Georgina Ireland, Senior Executive Officer with Laois County Council, John Oxley, Vice Chairperson of the Laois PPN Secretariat, and Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator.

The meeting marked a historic moment for community representation in Laois, as it was the first time that PPN member groups in the county met with the Minister of State for European Affairs in an official capacity.

Under the EU Presidency engagement programme, each county in Ireland will be paired with an EU Member State.

Ireland's partner in the programme is Malta, who had a delegate in attendance of the visit.

The Community Groups in attendance were all member groups of Laois PPN. The Minister heard about the strong and vibrant community spirit that exists across Laois.

The Laois PPN member groups discussed the vibrant community spirit across Laois with the Minister, representing a cross-section of communities and voluntary organisations contributing to local development and wellbeing.

Many have also been involved as Laois PPN representatives in key local policy and decision-making structures such as the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs), the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) and play an integral role in Town Teams across Laois. 

During the meeting, a wide range of topics were raised by PPN member groups ahead of Ireland's Presidency of the EU.

The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity for Laois PPN Member Groups to engage directly with Minister Thomas Byrne and outline what could be achieved with Ireland at the helm.

“On the first of July, Ireland will take on a significant leadership role in driving the EU policy agenda," Minister Byrne said.

"Significant work has been undertaken to date to ensure that Ireland delivers an EU Presidency that successfully delivers for the EU, for Europe, and for our people.

"In preparation for our EU Presidency, I have enjoyed visiting communities across Ireland and hearing the ideas of young people and community members on what they want to see delivered during the Irish EU Presidency," he said.

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Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator, welcomed the opportunity to meet with Minister Byrne, praising it as an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion ahead of Ireland's Presidency.

"Our Member Groups represent towns and villages across the county, and the meeting provided an important platform for local community voices to be heard. Laois PPN looks forward to Ireland’s Presidency of the EU," Mr Bergin finished.