Ursula von der Leyen in Cork: Rolling disruptions expected and Gaol Walk closed

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (PA)

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 Zelenskyy.

Rolling disruptions are expected through the day as members of the council arrive and depart through Cork Airport. 

The Gaol Walk between College Road and Western Road is set to be closed until Friday afternoon. 

Gardaí have said members travelling towards Cork Airport should allow additional time to arrive due to possible temporary traffic restrictions. 

Additionally, those living, working, and travelling between UCC and the city centre can expect localised road closures and "temporary rolling closures" by garda escorts over Thursday afternoon and the morning/early afternoon of Friday.

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 Ms von der Leyen and others between ministers and European commissioners.

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

In a statement ahead of the event, Mr 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, Micheál 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.

Meanwhile, staff and Students at UCC will hold a public protest on Thursday from 12pm – 2pm outside the main gates at the Donovan’s Rd entrance to UCC during the visit of the EU College of Commissioners.

Organisers say the demonstration is intended to send a clear message to the EU to do more to uphold international law and protect civilians in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.

The protest comes amid continuing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Spokesperson for UCC Staff Together for Palestine, Ciarán Dawson said the protest will take place on Western Road, which they had negotiated with gardaí. 

As staff and students, we cannot remain silent while an entire education system and population is being destroyed.

"Universities should be places that uphold human rights, academic freedom and international law. The destruction of schools, universities and the killing of thousands of students and educational personnel is an attack on Palestine’s future. We are gathering peacefully to call on the EU to uphold the principles it says it stands for and to take meaningful action to protect Palestinian lives," he added.