Ambassadors’ Visit Strengthens Links Between County Louth and Portugal

To mark Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the associated County-Country Pairing initiative, Louth County Council welcomed H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal, and H.E. João Pedro Fins do Lago, Ambassador of Portugal to Ireland, to the county on Friday, 2 October.

Ambassador Ní Choigligh was joined by Deputy Head of Mission Darren McVeigh, a Drogheda native, and Ambassador Fins do Lago was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Nathalie Viegas.

The County-Country Pairing initiative aims to bring the European Union closer to local communities and create opportunities for cultural exchange, cooperation and stronger links between participating counties and EU Member States.

Developed in consultation with both Ambassadors and reflecting a number of themes associated with the Presidency and the pairing, the visit included engagements across north, mid and south Louth. The programme showcased the county’s investment in active travel, education, sport and community facilities, as well as its rich cultural and religious heritage.

Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said:

“It was a great honour to welcome Ambassador Ní Choigligh and Ambassador Fins do Lago to County Louth and to introduce them to the people, places and projects that make our county so distinctive.

“From our investment in active travel and inclusive sporting facilities to our schools, libraries and internationally significant heritage, the visit demonstrated the breadth of what Louth has to offer.

“Most importantly, it provided opportunities for the Ambassadors to meet directly with students, community representatives and those delivering services across the county.

“Our pairing with Portugal is not intended to be limited to a single visit. It is the beginning of a relationship that we hope will lead to new connections and practical opportunities in education, culture, tourism, community development and other areas of shared interest. I look forward to seeing that partnership grow during Ireland’s EU Presidency and in the years ahead.”

H.E. Alma Ní Choigligh, Ambassador of Ireland to Portugal added:

“It was a real pleasure to visit Louth with my Portuguese colleague; Ambassador Fins do Lago. The welcome we received from the people of Louth was something that I’ll remember for a long time.

“The county pairings initiative was created to ensure that communities across Ireland have an opportunity to engage directly with the Presidency and with EU countries, and I was delighted to see that spirit reflected so strongly in county Louth.

“Initiatives like this really show that European cooperation is about much more than institutions and legislation. It’s about people, communities, schools, businesses, cultural organisations, and local authorities working together and learning from one another.

“Local authorities play a vital role in ensuring that European policies and programmes deliver tangible benefits on the ground. Louth County Council put together an impressive day, showcasing what the wee county has to offer.

“My personal highlight was speaking to students in Bush Post Primary School about Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the benefits of our EU membership.

“The Embassy of Ireland in Portugal looks forward to working closely with Louth County Council in deepening its connections with Portugal. And of course, I can’t wait to visit Louth again!”

The programme began at the Carlingford Lough Greenway, where the Ambassadors were met by Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille. They received a briefing from David Jones, Director of Services, Major Capital Projects and Infrastructure Delivery, and John O’Hagan, Senior Engineer with Louth County Council, on the development of the cross-border walking and cycling route and its contribution to sustainable travel, recreation and tourism.

At Bush Post Primary School, the Ambassadors met Principal Seamus Meehan, Student Council Adviser Caoimhe Halpenny, and TY students and staff to discuss Ireland, Portugal and the European Union. The engagement allowed the students to hear directly about the work of ambassadors, diplomatic relations and the importance of cooperation between EU Member States.

The delegation then travelled to St Brigid’s Shrine at Faughart, where they were met by David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council and Cllr John Reilly, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Dundalk.

Cllr Reilly spoke about the historic connection between Faughart and Lumiar, Lisbon, where a relic associated with St Brigid has been venerated for centuries, creating a unique bond between County Louth and Portugal. Both Ambassadors were presented with a St Brigid’s cross handmade by Gerard Roe and a framed photograph of the shrine taken by local photographer Freddie McArdle.

At County Hall in Dundalk, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, formally welcomed the Ambassadors to the county. The Ambassadors signed the Council’s Visitors’ Book and met with members of the Council’s Senior Management Team.

Thomas McEvoy, Director of Services, Economic Delivery, delivered a presentation on tourism and economic activity within the M1 Corridor, while discussions focused on developing a lasting relationship between the county and Portugal. Potential areas for further cooperation included education, culture, heritage, tourism, community development and economic activity.

Following lunch, the delegation made the short journey to Dundalk Sports Centre, where they were met by Ruairí Ó Murchú TD and Cllr Maeve Yore. The Ambassadors were introduced to members of Louth Disability Cycling Club, with Ambassador Ní Choigligh taking the opportunity to try one of the club’s adapted bicycles.

The engagement also included an overview of the masterplan for Muirhevnamór Park, followed by a tour of the new athletics track. Paula Keenan, Acting Senior Executive Officer with Louth County Council, and Richard English, Sports Facility Operations Manager with Louth Local Sports Partnership, outlined the development of high-quality, inclusive sporting infrastructure for athletes, schools, clubs and the wider community.

Dunleer Library was the next destination, where the Ambassadors met students and teachers from Scoil Bhríde Lann Léire. They were joined by Ger Murphy, Director of Services, Housing and Cultural Delivery, and Amanda Branigan, County Librarian with Louth County Council, who outlined the library’s role as an accessible space for learning, creativity and community participation.

Paula Butterly TD, Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District of Ardee, and fellow members of the Municipal District of Ardee were also present as the students performed songs and participated in a range of activities.

The delegation then travelled to St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, where they were welcomed by Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, and Cllr Michelle Hall. The Ambassadors viewed the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett and heard from local author Tommy Burns about the saint’s life, historical importance and enduring links with County Louth.

The final engagement took place at Highlanes Gallery in Drogheda, where the Ambassadors were welcomed by Moya Hodgers, Arts Officer with Louth County Council, and Aoife Ruane, Director of Highlanes Gallery. The delegation toured the gallery and viewed its new exhibition, Picturing the Border: 1921–2026, curated by Dr Orla Fitzpatrick, accompanied by a musical performance from members of Music Generation’s harp ensemble.

The visit marked the beginning of what is intended to become a longer-term bilateral relationship between County Louth and Portugal. Louth County Council will continue to explore opportunities for future exchanges and collaboration, as well as further visits that will enable additional communities, organisations and locations across the county to participate in the partnership.