EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen invited to Waterford

MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has invited EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen to Waterford.

Ms Ní Mhurchú said that she has written to President Von Der Leyen to the Déise and the surrounding counties next month to see the impact potential tariffs would have on the pharmaceutical and medical technology sector.

Over 3000 people are employed in County Waterford in the Pharma and Med tech sector at companies like Bausch + Lomb, Sanofi, West Pharma, and EirGen.

“I think it is important that President Von Der Leyen see for herself that we are not talking about isolated factories, but rather operations that are deeply integrated into our local communities, with partnerships in schools, universities, regional authorities, and training centres,” said Ní Mhurchú.

Ms Ní Mhurchú pointed out that some of the world’s most advanced medicines and life-saving medical devices are being made in counties like Waterford.

These include biologics, vaccines, oncology treatments, and implantable cardiac devices.

She said this industry has been built on decades of stable regulation, international partnership, and shared investment in skills, innovation, and community.

“I want President Von Der Leyen to meet the workers and researchers and see for herself how our pharma and med tech industry has created a wider life sciences ecosystem and fostered collaborations with our universities, funded science education in our schools, and supported local charities”  

“I believe this tour would send a strong signal not only to global investors but to the thousands of workers in our region who are proud to be part of Europe and its leading life sciences economy,” said Ní Mhurchú.