President Michael D. Higgins visited the operational centre of the European Maritime Safety Agency as part of a state visit to Portugal last month. The President viewed a demonstration of some of the European Maritime Safety Agency's tools for environmental inspections. The visit also included a meeting with EMSA management and the agency's Irish staff.
Based in Lisbon, the Agency provides technical assistance and support to the European Commission and Member States in the development and implementation of EU legislation on maritime safety, pollution by ships and maritime security.
During the visit, the President remarked on the great cooperation between Irish authorities and EMSA, particularly the Marine Survey Office and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. He spoke of the close links between EMSA and the Irish Coast Guard in the area of marine pollution and preparedness, and expressed his gratitude to all concerned for the good cooperation.
Related events:
- President hosts a reception for a group of United Nations Permanent Representatives visiting Ireland (February 2020)
- President addresses High Level Review of SAMOA Pathway (September 2019)
- President addresses United Nations General Assembly (September 2019)
- President and Sabina receive Ambassadors from Small Island Developing States (June 2019)
- President visits the Commissioners of Irish Lights on the 50th anniversary of the Kish Lighthouse (November 2015)
- President unveils a memorial dedicated to all those who have lost their lives at sea (September 2013)
- President tours the Race Village and Global Village at the Volvo Ocean Race (July 2012)
- President officially re-opens the Old Mariners Church and Maritime Museum (June 2012)