Europe Direct Carrigaline opens at Carrigaline Library

Europe Direct Carrigaline was launched by Cork County Council, with European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath officially opening the centre in his hometown.

Europe Direct Carrigaline will serve as a local hub for conversations about Europe, creating opportunities for community engagement and activities that showcase the European dimension of everyday life. The centre aims to strengthen the connection between EU institutions and citizens by providing information on EU policies, rights, opportunities, and initiatives.

A local hub for European conversations

Housed within Carrigaline Library, the centre operates as a walk-in information point where members of the public can access EU publications and resources, and receive guidance from trained staff, including through the Europe Direct telephone and email helpdesks.

Beyond information provision, the centre will run a year-round programme of free public events, including a European-themed public speaking competition, storytelling sessions, French language classes, and discussions on climate action, sustainability and other issues affecting local communities.

Speaking at the opening, Commissioner Michael McGrath said it was a personal pleasure to open the centre in the community he calls home and has represented at local and national level for twenty years.

"Europe Direct is about bringing Europe closer to people - providing trusted information, creating opportunities for dialogue, and helping citizens understand the rights and opportunities that come with EU membership. I hope this centre will become a welcoming and vibrant place where people of all ages can engage with European issues and see how decisions made at EU level connect with their everyday lives here in Cork." 

Michael McGrath, European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection

The Commissioner also highlighted the fitting choice of venue, noting that libraries are open, democratic spaces for accessing reliable information and encountering different perspectives, which are values that sit at the heart of the Europe Direct mission.

Cork Country Council welcomes launch during Irish EU Presidency

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, welcomed the opening, saying the centre would provide "a valuable link between our local communities and the European Union, offering information, resources and opportunities for people to engage with issues that affect their daily lives." He noted the launch carries particular significance as Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year, and encouraged residents to make full use of the new resource.

The launch was marked alongside Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Cork County Council CEO Moira Murrell, County Librarian Emer O'Brien, and the team at Carrigaline Library, along with students and members of the local community. Deputies Seamus McGrath and Donnacha O'Laoghaire, and Councillors Patrick Donovan, Audrey Buckley, Jack White and Ben Dalton O'Sullivan were also in attendance.

Background

EUROPE DIRECT centres bring the European Union closer to people on the ground. The centres can answer your questions about the EU. They engage with citizens and stakeholders so they feel more involved in the European project.

Use the European Union around me map to find more topic-related EU centres belonging to specialised networks active in your region.