Minister Heydon visits Kildare school with Austrian Embassy to highlight Ireland’s EU Presidency
- Published on: 23 March 2026
- Last updated on: 23 March 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, visited his former secondary school in County Kildare with the Austrian Deputy Head of Mission Edmond Ramja as part of Ireland’s preparations for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
The visit formed part of the Government’s county pairing initiative, under which County Kildare has been paired with Austria to help promote awareness of Ireland’s upcoming Presidency and strengthen local engagement with European issues.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Heydon said:
“I am very pleased to be in County Kildare with the Austrian Deputy Head of Mission as part of Ireland’s preparations for our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This county pairing initiative is a positive way of bringing Europe closer to communities across the country, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to mark Kildare’s pairing with Austria here today.”
The school visit provided an opportunity to engage directly with students on the role of the European Union, the significance of the Presidency, and the importance of young people in shaping Europe’s future.
Speaking at the school, Minister Heydon highlighted:
“The future of Europe matters to young people more than anyone else. The decisions taken during our Presidency will shape the world you grow up in and the opportunities available to you.”
Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from 1 July to 31 December 2026.
ENDS