The President of the EU CoR Kata Tüttő, visited Dublin on 7th and 8th October 2025
President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Kata Tüttő, visited Ireland on 7th and 8th October 2025 for a two-day programme which highlighted the crucial role local government and regional development play in Europe’s future. The visit took place at an important time as EU Member States negotiate the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Union’s long-term budget, which has significant implications for the future of cohesion funding in Ireland.
President Tüttő met with elected local representatives, youth leaders, Irish Government officials and Members of the Oireachtas to discuss how local authorities can drive growth, climate action and democratic engagement. The visit includes site tours of major regeneration projects in Dublin, supported through national and EU investment, demonstrating how European solidarity delivers for communities.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Head of the Irish Delegation to the CoR, said: “Cohesion policy remains one of Europe’s most powerful tools to ensure no region and no community is left behind. Ireland has benefitted enormously from EU investment and continues to rely on cohesion funding to support balanced economic development and unlock opportunities across the country.”
President Tüttő’s visit commenced with a showcase of Dublin City Council Projects organised by Dublin City Council staff – Eamonn Ceannt Park in Crumlin and Bluebell Waterways Regeneration in Inchicore. Eamonn Ceannt Park is home to Dublin City’s cycling velodrome, playing fields, tennis courts and a children’s playground.
The Bluebell Waterways project is a partnership between Land Development Agency and Dublin City Council. LDA and DCC launched a planning application with a priority to regenerate the land into high-quality, low-energy and affordable cost rental homes. The planning proposal also includes community spaces, a creche, and public open spaces.
Following this, President Tüttő attended “Youth and Democracy in Action” at the Europe House, where she was welcomed by Mr. Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and Mr. Fearghas O’Beara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin.
During this event, President Tüttő met with the Irish Delegation to the CoR and spoke on Youth and Democracy in the EU. Chairperson of Comhairle na nÓg Aaron Keirnan also spoke on youth affairs in Ireland. Ruth Dowell and Siobhán O’Shea from the Dublin Public Participation Network provided an overview of the ongoing work facilitated by Dublin PPN. Mikey Smyth, Deputy Director, EU Presidency Policy Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided an update on the ongoing preparation of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the latter stage of 2026.
Later in the afternoon, President Tüttő met with Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D. and officials responsible for Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. Members of the Irish Delegation of the CoR also attended, led by Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Head of Delegation of Cork County Council. Lord Mayor of Dublin City; Cllr. Ray McAdam held a reception in the historical Mansion House welcoming President Tüttő and members of the Irish Delegation to the CoR. Key topics of discussion was Ireland’s Budget 2026 and the importance of the EU, national governments and municipal authorities working together to deliver more and improved affordable housing.
The second day of President Tüttő’s visit to Dublin started in Leinster House with talks to the Joint Committee on European Affairs. Cllr. Coughlan and President Tüttő were accompanied with members of the Irish Delegation to the CoR. President Tüttő outlined that proposed finance reforms to the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework posed a serious risk to the Common Agricultural Policy and regional development. She also spoke on the weaking bond between local authorities and the EU by centralising management of EU funding at national level. Following on from talks with the Joint Committee on European Affairs, President Tüttő and the Irish Delegation met Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and discussed engagements ahead of Irelands Presidency of the EU in 2026.
Concluding the visit, President Tüttő and the Irish Delegation attended “What Role for Regions in the EU’s Growth Model?” facilitated by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) where President Tüttő provided a keynote speech. Overall, the study visit proved to be successful, showcasing valuable insights into Dublin’s communities and its continued dedication to inclusion, sustainability and active participation in Europe.
L-R: Irish Delegation to the EU CoR with President Tüttő and members of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs
President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), Kata Tüttő, visited Ireland on 7th and 8th October 2025 for a two-day programme which highlighted the crucial role local government and regional development play in Europe’s future. The visit took place at an important time as EU Member States negotiate the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), the Union’s long-term budget, which has significant implications for the future of cohesion funding in Ireland.
President Tüttő met with elected local representatives, youth leaders, Irish Government officials and Members of the Oireachtas to discuss how local authorities can drive growth, climate action and democratic engagement. The visit includes site tours of major regeneration projects in Dublin, supported through national and EU investment, demonstrating how European solidarity delivers for communities.
Speaking ahead of the visit, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, Head of the Irish Delegation to the CoR, said: “Cohesion policy remains one of Europe’s most powerful tools to ensure no region and no community is left behind. Ireland has benefitted enormously from EU investment and continues to rely on cohesion funding to support balanced economic development and unlock opportunities across the country.”
President Tüttő’s visit commenced with a showcase of Dublin City Council Projects organised by Dublin City Council staff – Eamonn Ceannt Park in Crumlin and Bluebell Waterways Regeneration in Inchicore. Eamonn Ceannt Park is home to Dublin City’s cycling velodrome, playing fields, tennis courts and a children’s playground.
The Bluebell Waterways project is a partnership between Land Development Agency and Dublin City Council. LDA and DCC launched a planning application with a priority to regenerate the land into high-quality, low-energy and affordable cost rental homes. The planning proposal also includes community spaces, a creche, and public open spaces.
Following this, President Tüttő attended “Youth and Democracy in Action” at the Europe House, where she was welcomed by Mr. Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, and Mr. Fearghas O’Beara, Head of the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin.
During this event, President Tüttő met with the Irish Delegation to the CoR and spoke on Youth and Democracy in the EU. Chairperson of Comhairle na nÓg Aaron Keirnan also spoke on youth affairs in Ireland. Ruth Dowell and Siobhán O’Shea from the Dublin Public Participation Network provided an overview of the ongoing work facilitated by Dublin PPN. Mikey Smyth, Deputy Director, EU Presidency Policy Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided an update on the ongoing preparation of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the latter stage of 2026.
Later in the afternoon, President Tüttő met with Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne, T.D. and officials responsible for Ireland’s Presidency of the EU. Members of the Irish Delegation of the CoR also attended, led by Cllr. Gillian Coughlan, Head of Delegation of Cork County Council. Lord Mayor of Dublin City; Cllr. Ray McAdam held a reception in the historical Mansion House welcoming President Tüttő and members of the Irish Delegation to the CoR. Key topics of discussion was Ireland’s Budget 2026 and the importance of the EU, national governments and municipal authorities working together to deliver more and improved affordable housing.
The second day of President Tüttő’s visit to Dublin started in Leinster House with talks to the Joint Committee on European Affairs. Cllr. Coughlan and President Tüttő were accompanied with members of the Irish Delegation to the CoR. President Tüttő outlined that proposed finance reforms to the European Union’s Multiannual Financial Framework posed a serious risk to the Common Agricultural Policy and regional development. She also spoke on the weaking bond between local authorities and the EU by centralising management of EU funding at national level. Following on from talks with the Joint Committee on European Affairs, President Tüttő and the Irish Delegation met Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and discussed engagements ahead of Irelands Presidency of the EU in 2026.
Concluding the visit, President Tüttő and the Irish Delegation attended “What Role for Regions in the EU’s Growth Model?” facilitated by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) where President Tüttő provided a keynote speech. Overall, the study visit proved to be successful, showcasing valuable insights into Dublin’s communities and its continued dedication to inclusion, sustainability and active participation in Europe.
L-R: Irish Delegation to the EU CoR with President Tüttő and members of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs