We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you’ve seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free
and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment Domino’s Best of the Box The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to
join the discussion Advertisement More Stories AP Photo/Marius Burgelman eu presidency Major garda presence in Cork as Ursula von der Leyen arrives for two days of meetings The college of commissioners will be in Cork today and on Friday for meetings with members of the Irish government. 6.01am, 2 Jul 2026 Share options PRESIDENT OF THE European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will today visit Cork along with the 26 other members of the College of Commissioners. Ireland’s commissioner is, by a stroke of luck,
Cork man and former finance minister Michael McGrath. The commissioners will be in Cork today and on Friday for meetings with members of the Irish government. The events will be concentrated in the University College Cork (UCC) campus, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute and Hayfield Manor Hotel. Along with the Taoiseach, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee will be in attendance. The European Commission visit each country that takes over the presidency of the European Council at the beginning of the
six-month tenure, where they discuss the presidency programme and deliverables. For Ireland, this will focus in on the EU’s long-term budget, which is currently being negotiated. There is some discontent amongst world leaders about the proposed degree of spending in this budget, which Ireland will have to mediate over the next six months. The Taoiseach and von der Leyen will have a bilateral meeting while visiting, and Irish ministers will discuss their briefs with European commissioners. To conclude the mid-week gathering, a plenary session will
be chaired by the Taoiseach and von der Leyen. Speaking ahead of the visit, the Taoiseach said that the long-term budget, work on further integrating the EU’s single market, reducing energy prices and decarbonising the economy will be priorities for Ireland’s time in office. Simplifying rules and driving the digital and AI transformation were also mentioned. Advertisement “Our discussions will also include issues related to the founding values of the union, including advancing the enlargement file during our presidency,” he continued, highlighting Ukraine’s accession process.
“We will also discuss international issues and I will raise Israel’s persistent and egregious breaches of human rights and international law.” It is understood that there are a number of protests planned in opposition to von der Leyen’s visit, who has faced criticism for her stance on Gaza and the militarisation of the EU. Similarly-motivated protests were held in Dublin on Tuesday. While the extent of the disruption is yet to be known, gardaí said that traffic restrictions “in general” for the visit will be
kept to the minimum required. “It is intended that any impact on the public will be localised and minimal,” a garda spokesperson said. The commissioners will arrive and depart from Cork Airport, where normal operations will continue “at all times”. Members of the public intending to travel from the airport have however been warned that they should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible temporary traffic restrictions, particularly this afternoon and Friday afternoon. In Cork city, the Gaol Walk between College
Road and Western Road is closed until Friday afternoon. Members of the public living, working, and travelling between UCC and the city centre “can expect localised road closures to facilitate events and temporary rolling road closures by garda motorcycle escorts” this afternoon and evening, and on Friday morning and early afternoon, gardaí said. There are drone restrictions in place at venues hosting presidency events. The restrictions can be viewed here. Some are issued at short notice for operational reasons. Readers like you are keeping these
stories free for everyone. A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Emma Hickey Viewcomments Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Major garda presence in Cork as Ursula von der Leyen arrives for two days of meetings”. Recipient’s Email Feedback
on “Major garda presence in Cork as Ursula von der Leyen arrives for two days of meetings”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment. This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy before taking part. Leave a Comment Submit a report Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines. Damaging the good
reputation of someone, slander, or libel. Racism or Hate speech An attack on an individual or group based on religion, race, gender, or beliefs. Trolling or Off-topic An attempt to derail the discussion. Inappropriate language Profanity, obscenity, vulgarity, or slurs. Advertising, phishing, scamming, bots, or repetitive posts. Please provide additional information Thank you for the feedback Your feedback has been sent to our team for review. Leave a commentcancel Name not provided Newly created accounts can only comment using The Journal app. This is to
add an extra layer of security to account creation. Download and sign into the app to continue. Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user View our policy ⚠️ Duplicate comment Post Comment have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion eu presidency European Commission Simon Harris the real capital Ursula von der Leyen News in 60 seconds The Morning Lead Planning granted for ‘excessive’ 14-storey student accommodation next to Croke Park There’s a new plan for one-off
housing – will it make it easier for locals to build in their area? Eoghan Dalton Enoch Burke released from prison for the fifth time good evening Here’s What Happened Today: Wednesday Green Jersey Love Island catch-up: Irish heads turn to Charleen Murphy as UK fans start to cool on Fitzy From halloumi to boxty: Ireland’s EU presidency begins as Zelenskyy delivers a pointed message Christina Finn carbon bootprint Kelly Earley: As global militaries wage war and kill people, they are also killing the planet
Kelly Earley Enoch Burke released from prison for the fifth time As it happened Zelenskyy heads home as Ireland’s EU presidency launch comes to close Talbot Street Self-described anti-Islam activist appears in court over Dublin mosque attack Thanks but no thanks Ukraine turned away Irish donation of armoured vehicles because the technology was too ‘old’ more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us Gender Pay Gap Report ’25 About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices
Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Gender Pay Gap Report ’25 Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2026 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and
our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
Ursula von der Leyen, Cork, gardaí, Michael McGrath, European Commission, College of Commissioners, European Council presidency, long-term budget, Simon Harris, Helen McEntee, University College Cork, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute, Hayfield Manor Hotel, drone restrictions, protests