Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon T.D., is inviting local authorities across Ireland to get involved in helping communities to celebrate Africa Day 2019.

Having hosted annual Africa Day celebrations over the past several years at Farmleigh in Dublin, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is this year adopting a fresh and collaborative approach, encouraging local authorities in Dublin and throughout the country to lead their own events and engage their local communities in the celebrations.

The Department is offering financial and practical supports towards these community events for which local authorities can apply up to Wednesday 10 April.

Announcing the supports available for 2019, Minister Cannon said:

“I am delighted to invite local authorities from around the country to get involved in supporting communities to celebrate Africa Day.

My Department will be pleased to offer support towards events around the country that help to highlight and increase public understanding of the many positive connections that exist between Ireland and Africa.

“I encourage all local authorities to avail of this wonderful opportunity to bring the sights and sounds of Africa to their local community and to submit an application by Wednesday April 10th.

Further details of specific events taking place in local areas will be announced as soon as possible over the following weeks.”