Taoiseach urges US firms to expand operations to Ireland

Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking to the media in Washington DC during his visit to the US for St Patrick’s Day. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The Taoiseach has urged US firms to consider expanding their operations into Ireland, as he hosted business leaders in Washington DC on Monday.

Micheál Martin said that companies that bring their business to Ireland would “not regret it”, as he touted the important trade and economic links between the US and Ireland.

Ahead of his visit to the White House on Tuesday to meet with US president Donald Trump, Mr Martin addressed more than 300 business leaders and politicians, saying he intended to use the meeting to highlight the important economic relationship between the two countries.

“When I meet them, I will reflect on an Ireland-US relationship which is not just rooted in people-to-people ties but also, importantly, in an economic partnership that supports jobs, investment, and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic,” Mr Martin said.

At the weekend, the Chicago River was turned emerald green once again in honour of St Patrick's Day. The annual tradition dates back to  1962. Picture: Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu/Getty

“While it is certainly a relationship with deep roots, the partnership we have today is modern, dynamic, and future-facing.”

In his speech, Mr Martin highlighted how Ireland is now the fifth largest investor in the US, with an estimated value of €390bn and more than 200,000 people employed in America.

“Irish companies bring cutting-edge innovation in sectors such as life sciences, financial services, and technology. They are creating jobs and opportunities in communities across the United States,” Mr Martin said.

He namechecked both Kingspan and Kerry Group, alongside CEL Critical Power who he said is acting as a “pivotal partner” in the global AI revolution.

“We need only look to neighbouring Virginia, the data centre capital of the world, where Irish companies such as CEL Critical Power are delivering real value that matters for America’s future,” he said.

“Through major investments and long-term partnerships, Irish companies are strengthening America’s competitiveness in AI, advanced manufacturing, and the data infrastructure of tomorrow.”

Ireland to join Artemis Accords 

The Taoiseach also highlighted how Ireland is set to join the Artemis Accords, which are principles set out by Nasa to govern the civil exploration and use of outer space.

“I am pleased that Ireland has decided to join the accords, and we look forward to exploring all the opportunities that this unlocks,” Mr Martin said.

While Mr Martin was seeking to reel in more foreign direct investment to Ireland, he was also pushing Irish products including whiskey and spring lamb onto the US market.

Irish spring lamb

“Earlier today, I was delighted to mark the launch of Irish lamb in the US market, another sign of the quality, credentials, and reputation of Irish food.

“It was a difficult launch, because the lamb was cooked and myself and Jim [Bord Bia chief executive Jim O'Toole] had to launch it with a beautiful aroma, where we could not eat it.”

The Taoiseach also touted the importance of Irish drinks products, saying the country provides the world’s finest spirits to the US, including whiskey.

“Which we believe is a health product, because the in the Gaelic language, we call it uisce beatha — the water of life,” said the usually health-conscious Taoiseach.

• Tadgh McNally, Political Reporter, in Washington DC