EU Commission President invited to Kilkenny for very specific reason

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, an MEP for Kilkenny (Ireland South), has written to EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen inviting her to Kilkenny and neighbouring counties next month to tour our region's pharmaceutical and medical technology sector.

According to Ní Mhurchú, "I think it is important that President Von Der Leyen see for herself that we are not talking about isolated factories, but rather operations that are deeply integrated into our local communities, with partnerships in schools, universities, regional authorities, and training centres.

"Some of the world’s most advanced medicines and life-saving medical devices are being made in counties like Kilkenny. This is an industry which has been built on decades of stable regulation, international partnership, and shared investment in skills, innovation, and community.

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"I want President Von Der Leyen to meet the workers, researchers and see for herself how our pharma and med tech industry has created a wider life sciences ecosystem and fostered collaborations with our universities, funded science education in our schools, and supported local charities.

"I believe this tour would send a strong signal not only to global investors, but to the thousands of workers in our region who are proud to be part of Europe and its leading life sciences economy.”

Ní Mhurchú has offered to coordinate Von Der Leyen’s visit to Kilkenny, Carlow and the South-East.

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