Communicating 50 Years of Irish EU Membership

IRD Duhallow is delighted to announce that it will be publishing a series of articles in the Discover Duhallow Magazine, under the Communicating Europe Initiative. The overarching purpose of this EU 50 project is to deepen public awareness of the role that the European Union plays in our daily lives and improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues, at local, regional, or national level.

In 1972, Irish people voted to join the EEC, when 83% voted yes in support of the move following a referendum. At that point in time, our nation was seen to be struggling in terms of its economic capacity and its potential to prosper. The impact of this yes vote cannot be overstated in terms of what developments the country has seen throughout the last fifty years and indeed our EU membership is considered a pivotal moment in Irish history. There have been tangible improvements, not only on a national level, but also on a local level, and it is hoped that these advancements will be bought to the fore in upcoming issues.

In recent weeks, a group of eager project participants have attended workshops in the James O’Keeffe Institute in Newmarket, where they have participated in training in relation to the publication of articles for print media. This has culminated in them selecting various themes which they will review within the context of EU 50. Some of the contributions forthcoming will be accounts of what the EU connection has meant within a personal context, others will address what EU membership has meant for the country nationally.

We very much look forward to articles relating to the impact of EU support within the Duhallow area in relation to community development. We expect to hear about the LEADER programme, which is supported through European funding and has helped to develop everything from community centres and recreation facilities to local walks and playgrounds, tourism accommodation to activity centres and cultural facilities to training initiatives.

LEADER has helped projects relating to small and medium business to set up and expand creating employment therefore encouraging people to remain, return, live and thrive in rural areas. Furthermore, group members will look at environmental initiatives including the EIP (European Innovation Partnership) project. This project is now playing a leading role in directing environmental action on waterways in Duhallow.

It has been truly wonderful to meet our local participants and to hear their views and ideas on EU 50. Their written contributions will highlight the transformative impact of 50 years of membership in the EU and Ireland’s emergence as a modern, open economy and society.

Nollaig Murphy Development Officer IRD Duhallow speaks to MEP Billy Kelleher in relation to the IRD Duhallow Communicating 50 Years of Irish EU Membership project.

Maura Walsh CEO IRD Duhallow who briefed the training group on EU 50 within a regional and national context, Group Tutor Meave Ferris and members of the Communication Europe training group.