Communicating Europe
Transition Year Students Learn about 50 Years of the EU By NOLLAIG MURPHY Development Officer, IRD Duhallow
In 1973 Ireland joined the European Economic Community, an organisation that evolved into today’s European Union. Over the past 50 years, EU membership has been transformative for Ireland. The EU Single Market provides opportunities to live, study, work and do business across Europe. It has laid the basis for better environmental protection, stronger workers’ rights, and support for farmers. EU membership has helped Ireland to become more diverse, inclusive, and equal. It has also helped support peace on the island of Ireland. Throughout the month of November Transition Year students from Scoil Phobail Slibah Luachra Rathmore, Millstreet Community School and Scoil Mhuire Kanturk participated in a fantastic project which looked at the impact of 50 years of EU membership on Ireland and Duhallow. As part of these Communicating Europe workshops students learned about projects supported through EU funds that have enhanced the Duhallow area. Students also were given an opportunity to reflect on Ireland as a modern EU member state, the recent population growth in the Duhallow area and the changes
Transition Year Students from Scoil Phobail Rathmore with project tutor Dr. Alvina Grossu at their Communicating Europe workshop. that have occurred in the last including travel opportunities 50 years. Within the workshops that now exist. Mr. Séan Kelly students undertook interactive spoke to the students in relation cultural awareness training and to the benefits Ireland has seen looked at diversity awareness, due to its EU membership, inclusion and appreciating and how the country has Mr. Billy Kelleher difference. progressed from being an IRD Duhallow were delighted extremely poor country at the to welcome Mr. Billy Kelleher time of joining. Mr. Kelly also MEP and Mr. Séan Kelly MEP described to students the EU’s to virtually address the students response to climate change and at a special closing meeting the ongoing processes involved of the Communicating Mr. Séan Kelly in progressing the move to Europe Programme. renewable sources of energy. Facilitated by Ms. Eileen Linehan, He also informed the students of the Assistant Manager and attended job opportunities and educational by Dr. Alvina Grossu, project tutor, benefits that are now open to Irish students had an opportunity to hear youth within the European Union. firsthand about the EU parliament Both MEPS highlighted how Ireland and its functions. Mr. Billy Kelleher has matured as a nation through described the benefits attached its 50 years of EU membership, to EU membership including the and how the country has changed massive internal market for trading from being a net recipient. to a net that now exists for Irish goods. Mr contributor to EU funds. A huge well Kelleher also spoke of the conferred done to all participating students and rights and entitlements that have schools for their enthusiasm and arisen due to Irish EU membership, engagement with this project.
Transition Year Students from Millstreet Community School pictured with Mr. Shane Guerin TY Co-Ordinator, Dr. Alvina Grossu Project Tutor and Nollaig Murphy IRD Duhallow.
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Transition Year Students from Scoil Mhuire Kanturk with their Principal Mr. Denis Keating, project tutor Dr. Alvina Grossu and Nollaig Murphy IRD Duhallow.
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Issue 104 December 22nd, 2023
