Earlier this month the Irish Regions European Office hosted six Southern Regional Members and two Assembly officials. Beginning their two-day study visit in the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, Tadhg Browne, EU Support Officer of the Irish Regions European Office, delivered a presentation on the work of the Irish Regions European Office and the Irish Delegation to the EU Committee of the Regions. Mr. Browne also highlighted how the IREO has engaged with the local authority sector in Ireland.

The group next met Programme Manager for EU Cohesion Policy Post-2027, Stéphanie Gantzer-Houzel whom highlighted how regions can engage with EU Cohesion Policy as well as outlining various funding opportunities available to Irish local authorities including the European Regional Development Fund, Just Transition Fund and European Urban Initiative.

The final meeting of the morning was with Director of Institutional Affairs and EU staffing in the Irish Permanent Representation, Philip Grant, who outlined the role of the various EU institutions and how the EU Committee of the Regions interacts with them. He also discussed the opportunities for Ireland in the run up to the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.

The group transferred to the European Parliament to meet with four MEPs from the Ireland South constituency. Beginning with MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, they discussed challenges for rural areas, then met with MEP Billy Kelleher on the topic of energy, followed by MEP Sean Kelly to discuss current trade issues. The group then met with MEP Michael McNamara and discussed the future of Cohesion Policy.

The group, again, began day two in the Irish Permanent Representation  with a presentation from Karl-Filip Coenegrachts, Executive Director and Virginie Verstraete, Head of Communications from Open & Agile Smart Cities. They highlighted the progress being made on the European Smart Communities Programme, of which the Irish Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) is a member.

A priority of the study-visit was exploring the Climate Neutral and Smart Cities Mission, to analyse this topic the group had a presentation from Aleksandra Olejnik, Policy Officer, at DG Research. Ms. Olejnik discussed the work being done at European level as well as showing how Ireland is progressing.

The group concluded their two-day visit with a presentation from Noel Regan, Counsellor in the Irish Permanent Representation with responsibility for Environment and Energy Policy. Mr. Regan tied the two-day visit together by walking the group through the European legislation process before discussing on-going European environmental and energy policy challenges.