Ursula von der Leyen to meet Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Cork as traffic disruption expected

By Bairbre Holmes, Press Association

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Cork on Thursday.

Ireland took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union on Wednesday; it was marked by a ceremony at Dublin Castle which was attended by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Traffic disruption is expected in the city with drivers in Cork being warned to plan ahead.

Gardaí have said that temporary rolling road closures will be in place around official events.

The Gaol Walk near University College Cork will also remain closed throughout the visit.

People travelling to Cork Airport this afternoon are also being advised to allow extra time, with temporary delays expected on surrounding roads.

Traditionally, the European Commission visits each country at the start of its presidency to discuss its programme and goals for its six-month term.

The Government has said it wants to focus on competitiveness, values and security during its tenure.

Over two days, several meetings will be held, including one between the Taoiseach and von der Leyen and others between Irish ministers and European commissioners.

Micheál Martin and von der Leyen will also chair a plenary session.

In a statement ahead of the event, Martin said the discussions will include “Ireland’s work to progress the negotiations on the EU’s next long-term budget”, “delivery of the One Europe One Market Roadmap objectives” and how to create “a more integrated Single Market”.

He said he also plans to raise “Israel’s persistent and egregious breaches of human rights and international law”.

The College of Commissioners is the political leadership of the European Commission and is made up of a commissioner from each of the 27 member states, led by the Commission President.

The former Fianna Fáil Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, is Ireland’s EU commissioner, with responsibility for democracy, justice, the Rule of Law, and consumer protection.

Commissioners are also due to visit the Tyndall National Institute, Ireland’s largest deep-tech research centre, to hear from researchers about their work in semiconductors, advanced materials, and space.

A protest is also due to take place at University College Cork during the visit by members of the European Commission.

Staff and students have said they are calling on the EU to take stronger action over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and to uphold international law.

The demonstration will be held outside the university's main gates from midday.