EU exhibition in Blanchardstown

A FASCINATING exhibition highlighting the story of Ireland's membership of the European Union is on display in the Europe Direct Information Centre in Blanchardstown Library. 

The 45 Stories exhibition of pop-up displays is based on a booklet published by the European Commission last year and written by Northside People news editor, Jack Gleeson.

It showcases the many ways that EU membership has benefitted Ireland over the past 45 years and will be on show in Blanchardstown for the month of February as part of a nationwide tour.

It features stories from all 26 counties, across various sectors, including agriculture, business, culture, health and an environmental project on Rockabill Island.

The exhibition was officially launched last September in Leinster House by Ceann Comhairle Séan Ó Fearghaíl, Head of European Commission Representation in Ireland, Gerry Kiely, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Denis O’Donovan, and European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee.

Gerry Kiely said visitors to the travelling exhibition and readers of the booklet could not help but be impressed by the sweep and scale of EU involvement in driving positive change for Ireland.

“EU laws and initiatives have, among others, protected our environment, created great opportunities to study and trade abroad, financed vital infrastructure in Ireland and helped prevent discrimination,” he said.

“Ireland's farming tradition also benefits greatly from EU payments and support.

“All of these positive dynamics of EU membership are told in the human stories contained in this exhibition."

Ceann Comhairle, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, also spoke about the 45 Stories project.

"Since Ireland joined the then EEC in 1973, our people have developed a deep appreciation of what it means to be a European and a true partner to our fellow EU Member States,” he said.

“This exhibition and the accompanying booklet contain rich personal stories of the real ways that European cooperation opens the door to economic opportunity and cultural enrichment, both for Irish people and for our fellow Europeans wishing to strengthen ties with Ireland.”

Blanchardstown Librarian, Siobhán Walshe, said the exhibition had already proved very popular.

“People are very interested to read the local story of the conservation project on the nesting habitat of the Roseate Tern on Rockabill Island,” she added.

The exhibition continues until the end of February. The 45 Stories booklet can be downloaded at https://ec.europa.eu/ireland/sites/ireland/files/brochuresinglepages.pdf.