Mayo councillors meet with President Metsola in European Parliament

MEP Maria Walsh hosted a group of councillors from across Midlands-North West, including Mayo, in the European Parliament, where they had the opportunity to meet with Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

The group travelled to Brussels to learn about the upcoming Irish Presidency of the EU Council in 2026. They met with European leaders, including President Metsola, Irish Commissioner Michael McGrath and head of the European farm lobby group Copa Cogeca.

The group was made up of city and county councillors representing counties across Midlands-North West, including Galway, Mayo, Longford, Louth, Sligo, Cavan, Offaly and Westmeath.

Said Ms. Walsh: “It was a privilege to welcome councillors from across Midlands-North West to the European Parliament and to see them speak directly with President Metsola and other European leaders. I am delighted to have secured this facetime for the group - it meant that key decisionmakers heard first-hand about the issues impacting our communities across the west and midlands.

Visits like this make sure that the priorities of our towns, villages and rural communities are being voiced right at the heart of Europe. As Ireland prepares to take on the EU Presidency in 2026, it’s important that local voices are part of that conversation from the start.

“It is also vital that councillors understand how European decisions impact their local areas - from farming and rural development to digitalisation and youth opportunities.

“Meeting President Metsola and Commissioner McGrath were both highlights of the trip, but so too was the discussion about how we can make Europe work better for rural Ireland. This trip wasn’t just about learning, it was about ensuring that Midlands-North West continues to have a strong and informed voice in shaping Europe’s future.”