Green Party set to hold annual convention in local venue
Athlone will be in the political and media spotlight later this month after it was confirmed the town will host the Green Party Annual Convention.
The party confirmed on Monday morning that it will hold their annual gathering in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone from Friday, November 25 to Sunday, November 27 next.
It is the party's first in-person convention since 2019.
Several Ministers will join Green Party leader Eamon Ryan and representatives from all over the country in Athlone for the high-profile convention which is expected to draw hundreds of delegates to the town.
Local Green Cllr Louise Heavin will give a welcome address to delegates on Friday evening, followed by an opening speech by Senator Pauline O'Reilly, who is the Leader of the Green Party in the Seanad and the Party's spokesperson on Education and Higher Education. Prior to her election as a senator, she was a councillor on Galway City Council. Afterwards there will be session entitled 'Building Communities in our Towns'.
Among the events on Saturday including leader and Minister Eamon Ryan and a panel who are due to speak on the theme of 'Driving our climate ambitions', while Minister for Children Roderick O'Gorman and a panel will address the attendance on 'Reforming childcare in Ireland', both of which are due to be broadcast live on RTE.
Incidentally, there will be free creche for the duration of the event and a gala dinner on Saturday will feature a three-course vegan menu.
'A new dawn for arts and culture' is the title of a session to be taken by Arts Minister Catherine Martin and a panel on Saturday evening prior to her own speech as Deputy leader, and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan's address, both of which are due to be broadcast live on RTE.
“We are really excited to see everyone in person, share how the party is leading and delivering change in government and get ready for the next local and European elections in 2024,” a piece on the party's website previewing the draft programme explained.
“We look forward to meeting local Green Party Councillors Louise Heavin and Hazel Smyth and exploring Athlone and Westmeath,” it added.
In addition, there will be masterclasses in energy and sustainability, making space for nature, canvassing and social media and reports from the Just Transition group and various policy groups prior to closing speech by Senator Pauline O'Reilly on Sunday afternoon.
The draft programme also mentions that delegates will be taking part in activities in Athlone.