Galway will play host to a gathering of European local and regional leaders on 14 September, when politicians from across the European Union (EU ) arrive in the city for a seminar on Developing Entrepreneurship In Coastal Cities And Regions. The event will take place in the Hardiman Hotel on Eyre Square and is being hosted by Cllr Declan McDonnell, one of Galway’s longest?serving public representatives and a member of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR ).
The timing is significant, with Ireland currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, giving Galway an opportunity to showcase its coastal strengths and cultural identity to visiting delegations. Cllr McDonnell says he is delighted to welcome his colleagues to the west of Ireland.
“The Committee of the Regions brings together local and regional politicians from across the EU to advise on policies from a local perspective. Each year we meet in different parts of Europe, and this year I invited my group to Galway — right in the middle of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.”
Representatives from countries and regions such as Poland, Corsica, Romania, Flanders, the Netherlands and Lithuania and several Irish regions will travel to Galway for the event, which will explore how coastal communities can grow their economies while preserving their culture, traditions and language.
Cllr McDonnell says Galway is the ideal setting for such discussions.
“Galway is a coastal city that has built a strong international reputation while preserving its culture, traditions and language. It’s the perfect backdrop for a conversation on how coastal communities can innovate without losing their identity.”
The seminar will open with contributions from Marie?Antoinette Maupertuis, President of the European Alliance Group and President of the Corsican Assembly, followed by Cllr McDonnell. A video message from Commissioner Costas Kadis, responsible for Fisheries and Oceans, will set the European context. The keynote address will be delivered by Minister Noel Grealish, T.D., who will reflect on Ireland’s coastal economy and the opportunities emerging from sustainable maritime development.
Throughout the afternoon discussions will focus on regional development, coastal innovation and cultural resilience. Their perspectives will help frame how coastal cities and regions can strengthen entrepreneurship while safeguarding the heritage that defines them. This builds on the new EU Coastal Communities Strategy launched just before summer.
Cllr McDonnell says the event would not have been possible without strong local and European support: “I am very grateful for all the help I received: from the Committee of the Regions, Galway City Council, the Association of Irish Local Government, and the Northern & Western Regional Assembly. Their cooperation brings to a reality the motto for these six months of Ireland leading the EU – Ní Neart go Cur le Chéile – Strength in Unity.”
