Donegal Shines on the European Stage as County Successfully Hosts Major EU Presidency Delegation

_wp_page_template => 'default'
flexible_blocks_0_wysiwyg_content_block => '


Published Friday 25th September 2026


Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG have expressed immense pride following the successful hosting of a major European Union delegation this week. As part of Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade selected County Donegal as the venue for the informal meeting of the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) from the 23rd to the 25th of September.

The three-day event brought together 27 delegates representing all EU Member States, along with the Chair of CivCom, Ms. Natalia Raz of the European External Action Service (EEAS), to discuss strategic crisis response, human rights, and governance.


'
_flexible_blocks_0_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
flexible_blocks_1_small_image => '27592'
_flexible_blocks_1_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9'
flexible_blocks_2_wysiwyg_content_block => 'Throughout their stay, the delegation experienced the rich cultural fabric of the Donegal Gaeltacht, reflecting the Irish EU Presidency’s commitment to linguistic diversity following Irish becoming a fully operational EU working language. The itinerary highlighted the region’s premium tourism and cultural offerings.

Reflecting on the importance of the visit, Cllr. Gary Doherty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, stated:
"This week demonstrated that Europe is not just about Brussels or Strasbourg; it is about our local communities. Bringing European decision-makers directly into the northwest highlights our incredible regional connectivity and allows them to experience the warmth of our people and the depth of our heritage. We are incredibly proud of how our county presented itself on the international stage this week."
'
_flexible_blocks_2_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
_flexible_blocks_layout_meta => array (
  'disabled' => 
  array (
  ),
  'renamed' => 
  array (
  ),
)
flexible_blocks => array (
  0 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  1 => 'small_image_block',
  2 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  3 => 'small_image_block',
  4 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  5 => 'small_image_block',
  6 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  7 => 'small_image_block',
  8 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  9 => 'small_image_block',
  10 => 'wysiwyg_content_block',
  11 => 'full_row_cta_button',
)
_flexible_blocks => 'field_67b4a7e16553e'
navbar_choice => 'navy'
_navbar_choice => 'field_68d53a2a6fd70'
hero_blocks_0_image => '27593'
_hero_blocks_0_image => 'field_68a5c02ddbfab'
hero_blocks_0_title => 'Donegal Shines on the European Stage as County Successfully Hosts Major EU Presidency Delegation'
_hero_blocks_0_title => 'field_68a5c02ddbfac'
_hero_blocks_layout_meta => array (
  'disabled' => 
  array (
  ),
  'renamed' => 
  array (
  ),
)
hero_blocks => array (
  0 => 'hero_image_with_title',
)
_hero_blocks => 'field_68a5949ef19bd'
ae_post_template => 'global'
site-sidebar-layout => 'default'
ast-site-content-layout => 'default'
site-content-style => 'default'
site-sidebar-style => 'default'
theme-transparent-header-meta => 'default'
_yoast_wpseo_primary_category => '545'
_yoast_wpseo_content_score => '60'
_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes => '1'
_yoast_wpseo_focuskw => 'EU Presidency Donegal 2026'
_yoast_wpseo_metadesc => 'Donegal Shines on the European Stage as County Successfully Hosts Major EU Presidency Delegation'
_elementor_version => '3.33.2'
_elementor_pro_version => '3.33.1'
_elementor_page_settings => array (
)
hero_blocks_0_location_tag => 'Aerfort Dhún na nGall'
_hero_blocks_0_location_tag => 'field_696e097d2201d'
hero_blocks_0_location_eircode => 'https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Donegal Airport'
_hero_blocks_0_location_eircode => 'field_696e09912201e'
show_default_flexible_blocks_for_api_pages => 'yes'
_wp_old_date => '2026-04-10'
_show_default_flexible_blocks_for_api_pages => 'field_69aae1ccb591d'
flexible_blocks_1_small_image_caption => 'Chair of the CivCom committee Natalie Raz is presented with a memento of her visit by Cathaoirleach Cllr Gary Doherty'
_flexible_blocks_1_small_image_caption => 'field_6a1837500e214'
flexible_blocks_3_small_image => '27594'
_flexible_blocks_3_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9'
flexible_blocks_3_small_image_caption => 'Garry Martin welcomes CivCom Chair Natalia Raz'
_flexible_blocks_3_small_image_caption => 'field_6a1837500e214'
_wp_old_slug => 'donegal-county-council-take-a-minute-before-you-bin-it'
_yoast_wpseo_linkdex => '48'
flexible_blocks_4_wysiwyg_content_block => 'The delegation\'s working sessions, hosted at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) in Letterkenny, included expert panel discussions on the transformation of policing and post-conflict resolution. As a border county, Donegal provided a highly relevant backdrop for these discussions, allowing delegates to draw on the region\'s firsthand experience of cross-border cooperation and peacebuilding.

John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council and Chair of Donegal Tourism, emphasised the strategic importance of the event for the region:
"We were absolutely delighted to welcome the CivCom delegation to Donegal. Hosting an event of this calibre during Ireland\'s EU Presidency proves that our region is not only highly accessible but perfectly equipped to accommodate major international summits. From the seamless arrival at Donegal Airport to the exceptional hospitality provided by our local tourism sector, this visit allowed us to put the very best of Donegal on the European map."
That seamless arrival was facilitated by Donegal Airport in An Charraig Fhinn —renowned for its spectacular scenic approach—where delegates were initially greeted with a welcome reception and traditional Irish music.

Garry Martin, Chair of Donegal Airport and Director of Services for Donegal County Council, noted the significance of this first impression:
"Welcoming the CivCom delegation to An Charraig Fhinn was a tremendous honour and a fantastic opportunity to showcase the vital role Donegal Airport plays as a gateway to the northwest. It highlights that alongside our world-renowned scenic landscapes, we offer the seamless, high-quality connectivity required to host European leaders and major international events."
Donegal County Council and Donegal Tourism CLG extend their gratitude to all local stakeholders, hospitality partners, and Donegal Airport for their collaboration in ensuring the delegates experienced a flawless and memorable visit to the region.

 '
_flexible_blocks_4_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
_thumbnail_id => '27593'
_yoast_wpseo_seo_title_score => '28'
_yoast_wpseo_meta_description_score => '50'
_dp_original => '27573'
_elementor_template_type => 'wp-post'
_edit_lock => '1790511320:3'
_edit_last => '3'
flexible_blocks_5_small_image => '27595'
_flexible_blocks_5_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9'
flexible_blocks_5_small_image_caption => 'The group experiencing the hospitality of Croithli Distillery'
_flexible_blocks_5_small_image_caption => 'field_6a1837500e214'
flexible_blocks_6_wysiwyg_content_block => '
Dún na nGall i lár an aonaigh le linn Chuairt ó Thoscaireacht Uachtaránachta ón AE
 

Is ábhar mór bróid do Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall agus Turasóireacht Dhún na nGall CTR é gur éirigh go maith le cuairt ó mhórthoscaireacht ón Aontas Eorpach an tseachtain seo. Mar chuid d’Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar Chomhairle an Aontais Eorpaigh 2026, roghnaigh an Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha  agus Trádála Contae Dhún na nGall mar láthair do chruinniú neamhfhoirmeálta de chuid an Choiste um Ghnéithe Sibhialtacha den Bhainistíocht Géarchéime (CIVCOM), idir 23-25 Meán Fómhair.

Tharraing an ócáid trí lá 27 toscaire le chéile, a rinne ionadaíocht ar Bhallstát an AE, i gcuideachta Chathaoirleach CivCom, Natalia Raz ón tSeirbhís Eorpach Gníomhaíochta Seachtraí (EEAS), chun plé a dhéanamh ar fhreagairt straitéiseach ar ghéarchéimeanna, ar chearta daonna, agus ar rialachas.

Le linn na cuaite, fuair an toscaireacht blaiseadh de shaibhreas cúltúrtha Ghaeltacht Dhún na nGall, rud a thagann le tiomantas Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar an AE maidir le héagsúlacht teanga de bharr go bhfuil an Ghaeilge anois mar theanga oibre san AE. Chuir cúrsa an turais béim ar na príomhghnéithe turasóireachta agus cultúrtha atá le fáil sa réigiún.'
_flexible_blocks_6_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
flexible_blocks_7_small_image => '27656'
_flexible_blocks_7_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9'
flexible_blocks_7_small_image_caption => 'Event underway at ATU Letterkenny'
_flexible_blocks_7_small_image_caption => 'field_6a1837500e214'
flexible_blocks_8_wysiwyg_content_block => 'Ag labhairt dó ar thábhacht na cuairte, dúirt Cathaoirleach na Comhairle, an Clr Gary Doherty:
“Chuir an tseachtain seo ar ár súile dúinn nach mbaineann an Eoraip leis an Bhruiséil ná le Strasbourg amháin; baineann sí lenár bpobail áitiúla. Trí lucht déanta cinntí san Eoraip a thabhairt chun an iarthuaiscirt, cuireadh béim ar an nascacht iontach réigiúnach atá againn a thug deis dóibh cairdiúlacht ár ndaoine agus doimhneacht ár n-oidhreachta a mhothú. Tá muid ríbhródúil as an dóigh ar tugadh ardán idirnáisiúnta dár gcontae le linn na seachtaine.”
I measc na seisiún oibre a dtug an toscaireacht fúthu in Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh i Leitir Ceanainn, bhí pléphainéal ar athruithe a bhaineann le rialú agus ar réiteach iarchoinbhleachta. Mar chontae atá ar an teorainn, luigh sé le ciall plé a dhéanamh ar na nithe seo agus thug sé deis don toscaireacht leas a bhaint as an taithí phearsanta atá sa réigiún ar chomhoibriú trasteorann agus ar chothú na síochána.

Leag Príomhfheidhmeannach Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall agus Cathaoirleach ar Thurasóireacht Dhún na nGall, John. G McLaughlin, béim ar thábhacht straitéiseach na cuairte:
“Ba mhór againn fáilte a chur roimh thoscaireacht CivCom go Dún na nGall. Is léiriú é ócáid den chaighdeán seo a bheith sa chontae le linn Uachtaránacht na hÉireann ar an AE, ar a fhusa is atá sé teacht ar ár réigiún agus go bhfuil gach ní anseo atá de dhíth le cruinniú mullaigh idirnáisiúnta a reáchtáil. Ón tuirlingt álainn ag Aerfort Dhún na nGall go dtí’n an fháilte chroíúil a chuir an earnáil áitiúil turasóireachta rompu, thug an chuairt seo an deis dúinn an chuid is fearr de Dhún na nGall a chur ar léarscáil na hEorpa.”
'
_flexible_blocks_8_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
flexible_blocks_9_small_image => '27659'
_flexible_blocks_9_small_image => 'field_689618ccaa4b9'
flexible_blocks_9_small_image_caption => 'Mary Daly (Donegal County Council), Garry Martin (Donegal County Council), Natalia Raz (EEAS), Cllr Gary Doherty and John G McLaughlin (Chief Executive Donegal County Council) at Donegal Airport'
_flexible_blocks_9_small_image_caption => 'field_6a1837500e214'
flexible_blocks_10_wysiwyg_content_block => 'Bhain an toscaireacht Dún na nGall amach trí Aerfort Dhún na nGall ar an Charraig Fhinn — a bhfuil clú air de bharr go bhfuil sé álainn le tuirlingt ann —  cuireadh fearadh na fáilte rompu le ceol traidisiúnta.

Chuir Garry Martin, Cathaoirleach ar Aerfort Dhún na nGall agus Stiúrthóir Seirbhíse le Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall, síos ar an tábhacht a bhí leis an chéad imprisean:
“Ba mhór an onóir é fáilte a chur roimh thoscaireacht CivCom go dtí an Charraig Fhinn agus deis iontach a bhí an ról tábhachtach atá ag Aerfort Dhún na nGall mar thairseach an iarthuaiscirt a léiriú. Ní hamháin go gcuirtear béim air sin ach fosta ar ár dtírdhreacha áille nach bhfuil in aon áit eile ar domhan, is anseo atá an nascacht gan stró atá de dhíth ar cheannairí na hEorpa le mórócáidí idirnáisiúnta dá gcuid a réachtáil.”
Tá Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGll agus Turasóireacht Dhún na nGall CTR buíoch do na páirtithe leasmhara uilig, do pháirithe san earnáil fáilteachais, agus d’Aerfort Dhún na nGall as a gcomhoibriú lena chinntiú go mbainfeadh an toscaireacht sult agus tairbhe as a gcuairt chun an réigiúin – cuairt nach ligfear i ndearmad.

 '
_flexible_blocks_10_wysiwyg_content_block => 'field_689616ad94b56'
flexible_blocks_11_cta_button_text => 'Back to Latest News'
_flexible_blocks_11_cta_button_text => 'field_696b99c80078a'
flexible_blocks_11_cta_button_url => '/latest-news/'
_flexible_blocks_11_cta_button_url => 'field_696b99db0078b'
astra-migrate-meta-layouts => 'set'
_elementor_page_assets => array (
)