Marking Ireland's and Offaly's 50 years membership of the European Union

A special supplement marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland's membership of the Union [EU 50] will be published in this Wednesday's editions of the Tullamore Tribune and the Midland Tribune.

The 12 page supplement is published by the Tribune and www.offalylive.ie in association with Offaly County Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Offaly History.

In the supplement foreword Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council and Cllr Frank Moran, Cathaoirleach write that “it is widely acknowledged that Ireland’s 50 years of EU membership has coincided with a period of radical economic and social transformation across Ireland. This publication presents a wonderful opportunity to highlight how our lives have changed for the better because of our active membership.”

The supplement features articles from a wide range of contributors, including former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, all of whom provide their unique insight into various milestones encountered because of EU membership.

Topics such as farming, gender equality, environmental issues, the 2004 European Foreign Ministers’ summit in Tullamore, the Just Transition process and the Leader programme are featured.

“In compiling the supplement we invited contributions from all the MEPs for the South constituency and Offaly based Oireachtas members and are grateful to those who submitted articles,” explained the Editor of the Tullamore Tribune, Ger Scully.

Two articles from members of the general public with specific interests in farming and policing are also published.

Said Ger Scully: “We wish to stress the opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and were not influenced by Offaly County Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs or the Tribune.”

“This special publication provides an opportunity to reflect on Ireland’s role in the EU and the partnerships we have developed over the last five decades. We wish to acknowledge the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of the Taoiseach for raising the profile of Ireland’s 50th anniversary of EU membership (EU50),” outlined Anna Marie Delaney and Cllr Frank Moran.

They added: “Ireland’s membership of the European Union has strengthened Offaly’s ability to protect our national and local environments with the EU Directives and EU Regulations. These legislative rules mean that Offaly County Council proactively tackle challenges presented by water pollution, waste management and air quality. We promote the conservation of natural habitats and protect local biodiversity. We take positive climate action. We prepare our strategic framework plans to answer our specific circumstances while being cognisant of meeting the demands of a changing environment.

“We focus on our economic growth and proactively engage with the Eastern  and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) who distribute co-funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Because of our involvement in the EU, we recognise the importance of engaging with other EU members. There is strength in unity.

“Our national voice is strong in Europe. In 2024 we have the opportunity to vote in local and European elections. Your vote is your voice and your voice matters. We look forward to strengthening our friendship and solidarity with the EU and to Ireland hosting the EU Presidency in 2026.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FULL SUPPLEMENT