Fingal residents to discuss Future of Europe in Balbriggan Library
The European Union Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe is being hosted by Balbriggan Library, Thursday October 18.
Organised by the Europe Direct Information Centre in Blanchardstown, the event will be opened by Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire at 7pm, and will feature a panel of speakers, moderated by Consultant and Broadcaster Stiofán Nutty.
Dublin Constituency MEP Brian Hayes will be in attendance at the event. He will be joined by Head of the EU Commission Representation in Ireland, Gerry Kiely, Betsy Abu of Balbriggan Integration Forum and Chief Financial Officer of Country Crest, Chris Harmon, who is based in Fingal.
The event will give those who attend an opportunity to discuss future issues that will potentially affect local businesses and residents of Fingal.
Describing the event, Fingal County Council Librarian Siobhan Walshe said: “The focus of this is to be an opportunity for the general public to have their say; asking questions and, equally importantly, discussing the issues with the panel. As Europe Direct is based in the community here in Fingal, it’s both a convenient and neutral venue for members of the public to engage with their MEPs, the Commission Representation in Ireland, and other invited guests, including a local business person. This event is taking place throughout the Republic, so it’s an excellent chance for people living and working in Fingal.”
Speaking ahead of the event, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Grainne Maguire said: “This is a great chance for residents to engage with representatives from local government, electoral representatives across the political spectrum as well as representatives from the European Union and local businesses to discuss the future issues that might affect business and the economy. This is particularly significant in the context of Brexit and how this will affect Ireland so I am looking forward to participating in this panel and hearing questions and insights from residents and speakers.”
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid said: “I am delighted to see a Fingal Library being used to facilitate this engagement between residents and representatives from the business community and government. Fingal County Council’s library teams work extensively to make information regarding civic, social and political accessible to all of our residents and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the EU Citizens’ Dialogue on the Future of Europe.”
Previous events have featured discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Erasmus+, and Migration, so there will be no shortage of topics to be discussed on the night.
Early booking is advised for what promises to be an engaging and informative evening. For more information, or to book your place, contact Balbriggan Library at balbrigganlibrary@fingal.ie, or by phoning (01) 870 4401.