Revitalising Rural Ireland - Empowering Communities Through Social Enterprise (13 May)

The Europe Direct, Waterford Information Centre in partnership with The European Commission Representation in Ireland and Dunhill, Fenor, Boatstrand & Annestown (DFBA) Community Enterprises CLG is delighted to bring this timely Citizen’s Dialogue to rural Waterford.

Dunhill Ecopark, Dunhill, Co. Waterford on Monday 13 May 7pm – 9pm.

This public meeting will bring together key players and experts at EU and national level to explore the potential of Social Enterprise in revitalising rural Ireland. The dialogue will give our region’s Social Enterprise stakeholders the opportunity to learn about the support opportunities available at EU level and also promote the added benefits that this partnership has the potential to bring.

There is growing momentum and interest in social enterprise at all levels – this is your opportunity to provide feedback to the EU Commission about the Future of Europe with a particular emphasis on revitalising rural communities. More importantly, the format will allow you to share your ideas, concerns and expectations on these topics, facilitating real engagement and debate. With European Parliament elections in May 2019, it is more important now than ever to have your voice heard.

Expert Panel:

Gerry Kiely, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland

Patrick Klein, Social Economy Team Leader at Advanced Technologies, Clusters and Social Economy Unit of DG GROW, EU Commission

Brendan Whelan, Chief Executive Officer of Social Finance Foundation

Janet O'Toole, Community Development Manager, Connemara West plc

Chair: Damien Tiernan, Journalist, author and broadcaster with WLR.

This event has been chosen as one of the 2019 European Social Economy Regions Pilot (ESER) partner events. It will take place in Dunhill Ecopark, which is a social enterprise established by members of the community to cultivate an entrepreneurial culture and facilitate job creation.

All welcome to attend -  book your free ticket via eventbrite or email europedirect@waterfordcouncil.

For more information contact Sinead O’Higgins, Manager Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre. sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie 0761 10 2975 / 087 3637119.