Our visit to Washington, DC marked a key moment in the mission, placing Cork Chamber at the centre of high-level engagements that underscore the strength of the Ireland–US relationship. Participating as part of Team Ireland, alongside President Rob Horgan, we engaged in a series of strategic business events hosted by the Embassy of Ireland and supported by IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Research Ireland.

A particular highlight of the week was attending engagements addressed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, including at the White House, whose contribution formed a central and much-anticipated focal point of the programme. His address strongly articulated the depth of the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States, reinforcing the scale of two-way investment and the opportunities for continued collaboration. 

The level of investment today by Irish business in the US is very significant at $390 billion, Irish companies employing 200,000 people in the US and $6 billion of new investment committed, all making Ireland the 5th largest investor in the US. This story was well told and received this week and compliments the valuable investment made by US companies in Ireland.

These engagements reinforce Cork Chamber’s role in advocating for our members and strengthening the transatlantic connections that drive growth, innovation and opportunity.