'Jewel in the crown' Kilkenny should be host town for meetings of EU presidency, TD urges Taoiseach

Kilkenny TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere has urged the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to consider Kilkenny City as a host town for meetings of the Presidency of the European Union next year.

The Fianna Fail TD raised the issue in a parliamentary question, where he said that Kilkenny - with its 'rich cultural and historical charm' - is blessed with extensive and varied accommodation options. He said it is the best available location to host the meetings required for Ireland’s presidency in 2026 outside Dublin.

A vist from a high profile European delegation would not be without precedent. Last May, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank and former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, visited Kilkenny with her ECB council. They stayed in Mount Juliet, and also popped into Kyteler's Inn where they were entertained by sean-nós singing and dancing, whiskey tasting and bodhran lessons.

Kilkenny also has a legacy of being a seat of power. Between 1642 and 1649, it was the capital of confederate Ireland.

“I have also raised this important matter with the Minister of State at the Department of An Taoiseach, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Defence, Thomas Byrne,” said Deputy Cleere.

“It makes sense that during our Presidency of the European Union that we would host meetings in Kilkenny and showcase Kilkenny, our county and all of our country at the same time. Kilkenny has the range and level of accommodation available to host these meetings,” he said.

Deputy Cleere said Kilkenny 'is already the festival capital of Ireland', and to bring the leaders of Europe to Kilkenny would be an opportunity that should not be allowed slip by.

“We have the best of hotels, food, hospitality and scenery and this is an opportunity that cannot be missed,” he said.