LIMERICK could benefit from Ireland’s current six-month EU presidency following a request from City Councillor Joe Leddin to Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore that the city be included as a host venue for upcoming events and conferences. The Labour Party Councillor said he was disappointed that Limerick had so far been excluded from hosting any EU presidency events. “The majority of the events that will attract hundreds of delegates from the 27 EU member states appear to be taking place in Dublin, while Cork to a lesser degree will host a small number of meetings.
The presidency of the EU is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the island of Ireland and in that regard Limerick is ideally placed with good connectivity by road, rail, and air to facilitate ease of access by visiting delegations”, he explained.
Cllr Leddin added that if events could be staged in Limerick, it would “provide us with the unique chance of showing visiting delegations what Limerick can offer either culturally or economically”.
“Limerick and indeed the Mid West region has a large choice of suitable hotels and conference venues that can easily accommodate the type of meetings and conferences that will be taking place.
“If the majority of these events are held in Dublin, it will be a missed opportunity for the government to promote other urban centres so that we can fully capitalise on the potential business and tourism benefits.”
