EuroPride presents an opportunity to show solidarity with LGBTQI+ communities across the continent and establish Ireland as a staunch supporter of progress, according to Social Democrats foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Senator Stephenson said:
“In April, it was announced that the Irish consortium of Limerick Pride, QuareClare and The Outing Festival had been shortlisted to host EuroPride 2028, a festival celebrating LGBTQI+ identity and culture in Europe.
“If successful, it will mark the first time EuroPride is held anywhere on the island of
Ireland, which would be a milestone of equality and inclusivity – the occasion usually draws approximately 100,000 visitors to its host nation.
“This would provide a huge boost for the Mid-West region of Ireland across all sectors – the consortium has proposed the name Wild Atlantic EuroPride for the event.
“I believe that a public expression of support from the government would lend considerable credibility to the bid, signalling Ireland’s ongoing leadership on LGBTQ+ rights in Europe and across the world through the work of Irish Aid.
“This is an opportunity for Ireland to demonstrate its solidarity with countries in Europe and elsewhere where they do not have the same freedoms, as well as reinforcing the State’s commitment to equality and regional representation.”
Social Democrats Councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara, who brought forward a motion to support the Wild Atlantic EuroPride bid to the Metro District meeting of Limerick City and County Council in June, said:
“The motion received overwhelming support – if successful, the bid will be as big as Limerick City of Culture, and as big, if not bigger, than the Ryder Cup.
“Manchester is also vying to hold the event – it will require all levels of government and communities to outdo their bid and secure what will surely be a transformative event for the Mid-West.
“Across the world, the LGBTQI+ community is seeing its rights systematically rolled back – politicians are backing away from our issues, as are companies who formerly supported pride events.
“Nowhere is this more apparent than with the global targeting of the trans community – now is the time for Ireland to stand up and show solidarity on the largest scale possible.
“Limerick came out in force on the days that the adjudicators were visiting during Limerick Pride – the Council got behind it, as did the whole community. The sheer amount of work this consortium has put into this bid has been astounding, Limerick has really shone.”
July 23rd, 2025