Debate contribution: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
Debate contribution by Ms Michelle O'Neill on .
- MLA
- Ms Michelle O'Neill
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 21 September 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution (made as a minister)
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5742103
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Before I answered the first question, I should have welcomed the Member back from her maternity leave and congratulated her on her baby twins. I do not think that I have had the chance to do that in the Chamber thus far. I agree with the Member. Planning for next year is already well under way. The fact that we secured hosting the fleadh for two years meant that there was a lot of preparation and planning. As I say, Belfast City Council has begun the work of evaluating the economic impact of the fleadh. We know, even anecdotally from businesses and traders in Belfast, that the events held over that week had a hugely positive impact. Today, as I speak, our Executive Ministers Caoimhe Archibald and Liz Kimmins are at City Hall meeting members of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and the Mayor of Belfast to discuss how we can ensure that the fleadh in 2027 is even bigger than what was achieved this year. It is important that we learn the lessons about where things can be improved — there is always room for improvement; such is life — find ways to plug any gaps and bring forward any possible additions. It is another opportunity. I think that it was the best of us. The fleadh was absolutely the best of us on show, with the inclusivity that it demonstrated. The welcoming hand for everybody was real to see. There really was something for everybody across the whole of the festivities. I look forward to welcoming it back in 2027. I know that it is on a two-year cycle, but 2028 is the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, so it would be amazing to have the fleadh again to celebrate all that has been achieved across this society. Despite the challenges and the politics of this place, there is no disputing the fact that the last 30 years have been transformative, so why not have the fleadh to celebrate that moment?
333 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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