Clendennen extends Offaly visit invite to Belgian Ambassador

Offaly Fine Gael TD John Clendennen has met with the Belgian Ambassador to Ireland, Nicolas Nihon, to discuss his country's planned link with Offaly during Ireland's upcoming presidency of the European Union.

Ireland will take on the presidency of the Council of the European Union in July, and it was recently announced that each county will be 'paired' with a European country during the presidency, with Offaly being teamed up with Belgium.

Deputy Clendennen said his meeting with Ambassador Nihon provided an important opportunity to discuss the growing links between Ireland and Belgium, and to explore how Offaly can play an active role during Ireland's EU Presidency term.

EU ambassadors are due to visit counties across the country between July and December to undertake public engagements focused on Ireland's European relations and its role within the EU.

Speaking following the meeting, Deputy Clendennen said: "I was delighted to meet with Ambassador Nihon for a very constructive and forward-looking discussion. As Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency in July, this is a significant opportunity for the county to showcase our community, our enterprise base and our strong European connections.

"I was pleased to extend an invitation to the Ambassador to visit Offaly in the months ahead," he added.

Deputy Clendennen noted that the pairing of Offaly with Belgium offered valuable opportunities to strengthen cultural, educational, and economic links, particularly for local schools, businesses and community organisations.

“This presidency will involve the whole country, not just Dublin, and I am determined that Offaly will play a role. Welcoming the Belgian Ambassador to our county will allow us to highlight the strength of our local communities, our agri-food sector, our SME’s, and our growing international outlook, particularly in attracting Foreign Direct Investment."

Deputy Clendennen concluded by emphasising that Ireland's EU Presidency presents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional voices within Europe.

"As Ireland takes on a leadership role at European level, it is vital that counties like Offaly are fully involved. Building strong relationships with our European partners will support regional development, trade opportunities and cultural exchange long into the future," he said.