6 minute read
MEP Seán Kelly Inspires Students in Duhallow
Students from Scoil Phobail Rathmore and Millstreet Community School gave a very warm welcome to MEP for Ireland South Seán Kelly on his recent visit to their schools under the Communicating Europe Initiative. Organised by IRD Duhallow, students in six local second level schools have already learned about the European Union through interactive workshops delivered by guest speaker Dr. Brendan O’Keeffe. This initiative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs, has involved students learning about 50 years plus of Irish EU membership and the changes that have occurred during this period, especially in relation to rural development. To date over 530 students in the Duhallow region have participated in interactive workshops and in person meetings with visiting MEPs from the Ireland South Constituency.
Mr. Kelly met with a group of 25 transition year students on his visit to Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Rathmore, who were keenly interested in his work in the European Parliament and what his role involves. The evolution of the European Union, from its predecessor the European Coal and Steel Community, and the historical significance of the city of Strasbourg, where the EU meets 12 times a year was outlined to the students by Mr. Kelly. Students heard about what has been achieved nationally and regionally due to fifty plus years of Irish EU membership. Participants also heard about the role the EU plays in our daily lives, and the learning opportunities that exist for young people within the European Union. Mr. Kelly’s policy related work within the European Parliament and his particular interest in projects concerning climate change, and renewable energy sources were discussed. Mr Kelly also spoke to the group about the ‘Fit for 55’ initiative which involves the EU’s commitment to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by the year 2030.
Mr. Kelly also took time visit Millstreet Community School where he spoke to large audience of students comprised of Transition Years and Junior Cert Students who all displayed a keen interest in European politics. In a broadspectrum presentation Mr. Kelly spoke to those present about his work in the European parliament and his passion for the Irish language. He reminded the group of the expression ‘Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam’ and advised them that Irish was now a working language of the EU. While in Millstreet Mr. Kelly viewed a project which was supported by LEADER, a programme funded by the European Union. Initiated by the IRD Duhallow Equality Working Group in conjunction with Millstreet Community School, a bright and colourful mural has been created on the wall of the school gym. Undertaken by Millstreet Community School students in collaboration with professional artist, Shane O’Malley this creative piece celebrates interculturalism, the student journey, and the natural geography and heritage of the region.
Finally, while in the Duhallow area Mr. Kelly visited the James O’Keeffe Memorial Institute Complex, Duhallow Community Foods Services, Duhallow Furniture Revamp and IRD Duhallow Offices in Newmarket. Here IRD Duhallow Chairperson Michael Twohig, Vice- Chairperson Anne Maria Bourke, CEO Maura Walsh along with the IRD Duhallow management team and staff, who provided an outline of the broad range of programmes that are currently operating in the region and the impacts being achieved. For over thirty years, IRD Duhallow has been delivering EU-funded programmes in Duhallow including successive LEADER programmes, two EU LIFE programmes and several other initiatives. Mr. Kelly was given information on the Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme which is an initiative that is creating improvements in energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty for householders Mr Kelly expressed great interest in the project activities and the application of the LEADER methodology in Duhallow.
