merrion street

Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, today addressed the opening ceremony of the Charter of European Rural Communities in Cashel. The five day event, which concludes on 4th July, will welcome over 300 delegates from 27 towns, one from each country in the EU. They will stay with host families and participate in a myriad of Irish and European cultural events and will experience the best of Irish and Tipperary hospitality.

Speaking in Cashel, Minister Creighton said: "On behalf of the Government of Ireland, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our friends and fellow EU citizens. There is absolutely no doubt that increasing the informal contacts between ordinary EU citizens enhances our awareness of our shared aspirations and objectives."

"Though the world media and our own media are currently dominated by our economic concerns, there is a richness of civic and cultural life, a community strength and solidarity that makes Ireland a very pleasant and easy place to live. The World Competitiveness Yearbook ranks Ireland fourth in the world for having a culture that is open to new ideas, our sparkling literary heritage is well known, our music, film and dance also have universal appeal."

"I hope that you all have already had an opportunity to experience our wonderful culture here in Ireland and I wish you all every success at this conference here in Cashel."