Louth councillor welcomes MEP Nina Carberry to Ardee

Councillor Dolores Minogue has said she was "delighted" to welcome MEP Nina Carberry to Ardee alongside Louth TD Paula Butterly and Cllr Rachel Kerley for what the Ardee councillor said was "an engaging and uplifting visit" to the the mid-Louth town.

Cllr Minogue said that the day began at the Ardee Hub, where MEP Carberry had the opportunity to meet with dedicated youth workers Beth Carragher and Niall Newberry, as well as some of the young people who benefit from the services provided there.

"Nina gained valuable insight into the essential role youth services play in our community, and witnessed first-hand the dedication, hard work and positive outcomes being delivered for young people across Ardee and Mid-Louth", Cllr Minogue explained to the Dundalk Democrat.

Youth workers Beth and Niall also highlighted the pressing need for continued funding through the upcoming UBU Your Place Your Space projects, due to be rolled out in 2025. UBU Your Place Your Space provides out of school supports to young people, which offer a wide range of quality activities, which are mainly community-based.

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"It is vital that this support is secured to allow the Hub to continue its work in supporting, guiding and inspiring our youth—our leaders of tomorrow", Cllr Minogue explained.

The trip also included a visit to legendary Louth footballer Patsy Coleman, "whose contribution to local sport and community spirit is well known", Cllr Minogue added. "Nina and Patsy enjoyed a warm conversation, sharing stories of sporting success and reflecting on the importance of sport in community life."

"It was a fantastic day that highlighted both the strength of our local services and the pride we have in our people", the Fine Gael councillor concluded.