A delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament’s Regional Development (REGI) Committee visited Ireland from February 24th to 26th, 2025, to assess the impact of EU cohesion funds in the North West and Midlands regions. Their visit highlighted the importance of supporting local development and fostering innovation in rural communities.

On February 25th, the delegation, led by Irish MEP Maria Walsh, travelled to Mountbellew, County Galway, where they were hosted by Dr. Edna Curley at the Agricultural College, part of Atlantic Technological University (ATU). During this visit, Associate Professor Maura Farrell, Coordinator of the Horizon Europe FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project, presented key insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by women in agriculture. Farrell emphasised the urgent need for policy changes that would enhance female participation and leadership in the sector.

Maria Walsh expressed her appreciation for Farrell’s contributions, stating:
“A sincere and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Maura Farrell for joining the European Parliament’s Regional Development Committee mission to the Midlands-North West. Dr. Farrell shared her groundbreaking and hugely impactful work on the FLIARA project with MEPs from across the EU, where she supports and inspires female-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. For too long, men have dominated agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. Thanks to the unwavering commitment and leadership from Dr. Farrell and the FLIARA project, we are now beginning to see a turning of the tide in Ireland and across the EU.”

The discussion at ATU Mountbellew underscored the vital role of women in shaping the future of rural economies. The FLIARA project, through its research and advocacy, continues to champion female entrepreneurs in agriculture, ensuring they have the necessary resources and policy support to thrive.

Additional speakers at the event included Dr. Orla Flynn, President of ATU; Steve Dolan, CEO of Galway Rural Development; Linda Sice, CEO of Galway City Partnership; and Dr. Edna Curley, Principal of ATU Mountbellew. Their contributions further highlighted the significance of EU investments in fostering regional development and gender equality in agriculture.

The delegation included:

• Ms. Ľubica Karvašová (REGI Vice-Chair, Renew, Slovakia)
• Mr. Raul De La Hoz Quintano (EPP, Spain)
• Mr. Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, Portugal)
• Mr. Ciaran Mullooly (Renew, Ireland)
• Ms. Maria Walsh (EPP, Ireland)
• Mr. Barry Cowen (Renew, Ireland)

As the EU continues to invest in regional and rural development, initiatives like FLIARA remain critical in driving forward gender-inclusive policies and sustainable agricultural innovation.