MEP Billy Kelleher visits Kilkenny and meets businesses and community organisations

Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher visited Kilkenny City on Friday, meeting with businesses, farm organisations and local people to hear about the challenges they are facing and to bring a European perspective to the conversation.

Local TD John McGuinness, as well as local councillors Andrew McGuinness, Pat Fitzpatrick and Joe Malone, joined the Fianna Fáil MEP throughout the visit. 

“The visit to Kilkenny City was really interesting and informative," said Mr Kelleher, following the visit.

"I started with a visit to Tirlán’s Abbey Quarter office to brief them on the ongoing discussions in Europe regarding a number of agri and agri-related legislative files and proposals. Companies like Tirlán are both major economic drivers and major employers in counties like Kilkenny. What is decided in Brussels has a major impact on their operations.

“Deputy McGuinness then organised a meeting with Kilkenny IFA and other farm organisations where we discussed the Nitrates Directive Derogation, the Industrial Emissions Directive, future proposals on animal transport, and the Nature Restoration Law. Farmers are at the forefront of protecting and restoring our biodiversity already. We need to work with them on any new plans to ensure their full implementation.

“We were then shown around the Global Technology Operations Centre in McDonagh Junction operated by UPMC by their Irish Managing Director Eamonn Fitzgerald. This brilliant, innovative healthcare company is assisting in meeting Ireland’s healthcare targets and providing some top-class local employment in Kilkenny City.

“Thanks to the Fianna Fáil team in Kilkenny City for inviting me and for introducing me to their friends and colleagues. Cities like Kilkenny are the beating heart of rural Ireland, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive and prosper."