Government to make 'significant investment' in Chicago, says Tánaiste

Micheál Martin made the announcement on the last day of his trip to the US in the city of Chicago. 

“They like that,” he said of firms and officials based in Chicago.

“They see us as a country wanting to create economic investment in their area. 

"So we are very happy that we’re coming in with a bigger, more effective, presence here from the Irish Government perspective.”

Mr Martin said that Irish ties to Chicago date back to the Famine-era, and times of high migration from Ireland to the US.

“But the Irish are very significant players in the city, from politics, public service, to the unions, to business and in the modern era that has continued with a very strong community-based organisations and business-based organisations here in America, but also the economic links between this entire region are huge,” he said.

The Tánaiste said around 50 Irish companies in the region have created around 7,000 to 8,000 jobs, and this could more than double in the future. 

Conversely, 60 Illinois-based IDA client companies support some 15,000 jobs across Ireland.

“There’s probably more potential for Enterprise Ireland companies to do more here,” he said. 

“[Coming here], you see the importance of meeting Irish America to strengthen the bond.”

Mr Martin met with Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson, who last week broke a deadlock vote at the city council, issuing his casting vote in favour of calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East and in the process, becoming the largest US city to do so, so far.

The situation in Gaza featured heavily in Mr Martin’s discussions with US politicians and Biden officials while in Washington DC earlier in the week.

As well as Irish-US relations, the pair also discussed their regions' respective housing issues.

“[The Ireland House announcement] is a testament to the enduring bond between Chicago and Ireland, including our cherished sister city, Galway,” Mr Johnson said. 

“We invite Irish visitors and businesses to visit and experience the beauty of our city.”

Mr Martin also held a reception for members of the Irish-American community while in Chicago and attended the Irish American Heritage Centre to engage with members of the Irish diaspora.

“Your city was the first in the world to mark our national day with the greening of the river,” he told attendees.

“Although this is one tradition that has remained constant over time, the relationship between Ireland and Chicago today is lively, it’s dynamic, not just due to the vibrancy of our community, but the strength of Irish culture and sport and their economic presence here.”

It is expected that the Ireland House will open in the autumn.