Offaly–Belgium partnership highlighted on Belgian National Day by local TD
Deputy Tony McCormack, who has been working closely with Belgian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Nicolas Nihon, said the partnership presents a valuable opportunity for Offaly
Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack has highlighted Offaly’s new partnership with Belgium as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as Belgium celebrates its National Day on 21 July.
Offaly was recently paired with Belgium under the Government’s EU Presidency County Pairings initiative, which aims to strengthen links between local communities and European partners during Ireland’s six-month Presidency.
Deputy McCormack, who has been working closely with Belgian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Nicolas Nihon, said the partnership presents a valuable opportunity for Offaly.
“I want to extend my warmest wishes to Ambassador Nihon and to the Belgian community in Ireland on Belgium’s National Day. It is particularly fitting that we mark the occasion this year as Offaly begins an exciting new partnership with Belgium through Ireland’s EU Presidency.”
Ambassador Nihon visited Offaly earlier this year, spending a full day travelling around the county and meeting local people.
“I was delighted to welcome Ambassador Nihon to Offaly. He showed a genuine interest in our communities, heritage and economy, and I believe his visit laid the foundations for a strong relationship between Offaly and Belgium.”
Deputy McCormack said the partnership is about much more than official visits.
“A key objective of Ireland’s EU Presidency is to ensure that it is felt in communities across the country and not simply in Dublin or Brussels. I want people in every part of Offaly to feel connected to this partnership and to see the opportunities it can create.”
A series of events and initiatives are expected to take place across the county in the coming months, involving schools, libraries, sporting organisations, community groups and local authorities. Ireland’s Ambassador to Belgium, Kevin Conmy, is also expected to visit Offaly later this year as part of the Presidency programme.
Deputy McCormack said the initiative offers exciting opportunities for schools, businesses and community organisations throughout the county.
“This is an opportunity for our schools, our businesses and our communities to develop new connections and gain a greater understanding of one another. It is also a chance to showcase everything that Offaly has to offer on an international stage.”
He added: “I look forward to continuing to work with Ambassador Nihon and to supporting the many events and initiatives that will take place across Offaly over the coming months. I have no doubt that this partnership will leave a lasting legacy for our county.”