Kennedy Summer School will host economic forum on South East region in New Ross
On Friday, September 1 a panel of business experts, and international, national and regional organisations are set to join a discussion focusing on the South East region and its new relationship with the EU following Brexit. The discussion is being facilitated as part of the Kennedy Summer School.
Joining the panel are Brian O’Flynn, Head of Ireland’s Ancient East, Tom Enright Wexford County Manager, Jim Bergin CEO of Tirlán, Prof Veronica Campbell President of SETU, Laura Brien CEO of MARA, Pauline Oakes CEO Lake Region, Vasileios Madouros Deputy Governor, Monetary and Financial Stability at the Central Bank, and Marianne Barkan-Cowdy Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy. The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr Charles Larkin.
The discussion will focus on how Brexit economically challenged Ireland. Importantly, the end of the land bridge with the UK made the connection between Ireland and Europe all the more important. Rosslare Harbour was a critical part of the infrastructure to facilitate goods trade with Europe through France. In this panel, we will explore the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the economy of the south east. The aim is to produce a vibrant, high-value-added economy for the south east with good jobs in the region, creating vibrant communities, moving away from the current model of brain drain and dormitory towns. In this panel we will hear from Ireland’s newest university, which will be a source of economic development in the region. We will hear from the tourism, agrifood, medtech, logistics and greentech sectors on how the south-east region can finally achieve its potential as an entrepôt to Europe and a key component in the new green, high-tech economy. This session will conclude with a special policy-orientated address by the Deputy Governing of the Central Bank of Ireland on the future of the Irish economy.
The annual Kennedy Summer School is set to host a number of expert discussions and is billed as ‘A Festival of Irish and American, History, Politics and Culture. There will be over 60 guest speakers participating with Her Excellency, Canadian Ambassador Nancy Smyth, set to open the occasion. Sports fans will be enthused to learn that football legend Martin O’Neill will also be taking to the stage to discuss his extraordinary life in football and share his views on the future of the beautiful game.
The weekend will be filled with panel discussions, debates and public interviews and addresses and the Kennedy Tea Party hosted by RTE’s Eileen Whelan. An expert panel will discuss the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s membership of the European Union with moderator Alex White SC, joined by Patrick Honohan, Ray Bassett, Suzanne Lynch, Lucinda Creighton and Dermot Murnaghan.
The Saturday interview will see a husband and wife political duo take to the stage to discuss their opposing political viewpoints. Husband and Democratic political consultant James Carville and Republican political consultant Mary Matalin. An expert panel is also set to discuss ‘Celebrity Politics’.
For further details and tickets for the 2023 events see www.kennedysummerschool.ie or call St. Michael’s Theatre on 051 421255.
