EU50: Offaly people's lives changed for the better through membership of the EU

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.
We look forward to reading articles from all contributors, all of whom provide their unique insight into various milestones encountered because of EU Membership and cover such topics as farming, gender equality and a look back at the 2004 European Foreign Ministers’ summit in Tullamore as well as a feature on how the EU are supporting the Just Transition process for the Offaly and the wider Midlands region.
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).
We extend thanks to the Tribune for their curated trip down memory lane with archived articles and photos focusing on when our journey started - the referendum on EEC membership – which saw 83% of Irish people voting "yes" to joining the European Communities in May 1972. Offaly Historical Society also shared their valued insight and expertise for this publication. Online, their website offers further insight on a variety of historical topics relating to Offaly via their events / newsletter page and their offices are open Monday to Friday on Bury Quay for those interested in additional research.
It is because of our involvement in Europe that Offaly has benefitted from EU funding and grant supports including:
EU Just Transition Funding
EU Just Transition Tourism Funding
EU LIFE funding
European Social Fund projects
EU Basic Farmer Payments
EU Agricultural European Innovation Partnership
EU WiFi4EU network to access Wi-Fi in public areas
Erasmus+ programme
Promotion of the arts and social inclusion community activation funds
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.