EU PRESIDENCY EVENTS that will take place around the country over the next six months will not distract the government from key priorities on the domestic agenda, the Taoiseach said on Wednesday. 

Speaking at Dublin Castle today, government ministers launched Ireland’s policy programme for the upcoming Irish Presidency of the European Council, which will take place between 1 July to 31 December. 

Dublin Castle will be the epicentre for events over the next couple of months, with other events set to be held in the Dublin Convention Centre. 

At the beginning of July, a key event, which will see European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in attendance, along with other commissioners, will be held in Cork City. 

Key events will also be held in Mayo and Kerry in the coming months. 

Travel chaos is expected for some of the key events, such as two major summits taking place in November, which will see world leaders descend on Dublin.

The capital is likely to face major traffic disruption just as Christmas shopping season begins. 

Hosting the six-month term presidency, which will involve summits of senior EU figures in Ireland, is expected to cost between €165 million and €185 million, excluding security costs.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris at Dublin Castle on Wednesday. Rollingnews.ie Rollingnews.ie

The Taoiseach said Ireland has an ambitious agenda for the presidency which will focus on core themes of competitiveness, values and security.

Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said the Irish Presidency comes at an important moment for Europe, and the scale of our ambition reflects the scale of the challenges and opportunities facing Europe today. 

Asked whether such high-level events will distract the government from its work at home, with Martin stating that the Dáil agenda would not change as a result of the Irish presidency, but that it would involve “a significant extra workload” for ministers of state and public servants.

He said budget negotiations have kicked off early, in anticipation that budget day will take place during a busy period of the presidency. 

Micheal Martin said he is absolutely committed to keeping his focus on the domestic agenda throughout. 

With such high-profile foreign dignatories expected to visit Ireland, the Taoiseach was asked if Ireland has the defence capabilities to host such an event.

Martin said Ireland is properly equipped to do so, but added that no country is immune to security threats. 

Ireland will work with other countries, as Martin said we do on a regular basis on the defence, identifying potential risks, sharing knowledge, and sharing experience, he said.