The Daily Star Ireland
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has begun his official visit to the United States with a stop in Austin, Texas, a city known for its thriving technology, music, and film industries. His visit coincides with the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, an event that attracts innovators and businesses from across the globe.
Martin’s trip serves as a key opportunity to reinforce Ireland’s economic relationship with the US, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House. One of the central themes of his visit has been emphasizing the mutual benefits of US-Irish investment, as Ireland continues to serve as an essential hub for American multinational companies, while Irish businesses expand their footprint in the US.
Addressing Trade and Investment Challenges
During his speech at SXSW, Martin urged companies operating in Ireland to “hold the nerve” in the face of potential US tariffs and policy changes. With Trump’s protectionist economic stance raising concerns, particularly regarding 25% tariffs on EU goods, Martin reassured business leaders that Ireland remains a stable and attractive destination for investment.
He emphasized that Ireland is not only a recipient of US business investment but also a major player in American markets. He highlighted that Irish companies are investing in the US, purchasing American products, and creating thousands of jobs across different states.
In meetings with key industry leaders, Martin pointed to Ireland’s strong presence in the life sciences sector, noting that Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry meets both European Medicines Agency and US FDA certification standards, making it a crucial partner for American pharmaceutical companies.
Martin also acknowledged the trade surplus Ireland holds with the US, which has drawn Trump’s attention in the past, particularly given his administration’s focus on bringing manufacturing and investment back to America. The Taoiseach plans to navigate these discussions carefully when he meets with Trump at the White House.
Strengthening Business and Cultural Ties
While in Austin, Martin visited major US companies with significant Irish operations, including Dell Computers and Tricentis, the latter of which is expanding its Cork base with the addition of 50 new jobs.
He also emphasized that Ireland’s presence in the US is growing, with 120 Irish businesses employing over 4,000 people in Texas alone, and more than 200,000 Americans working for Irish companies across the country.
To further strengthen Ireland’s economic impact in the US, Enterprise Ireland recently opened its seventh US office in Atlanta, Georgia. The agency continues to support Irish firms in expanding and scaling their operations in North America, reinforcing the win-win nature of the transatlantic relationship.
Some of the most notable Irish companies with large-scale operations in the US include:
- Ardagh Group – A packaging leader operating across 12 states, employing 6,000 people
- Glanbia – A major nutrition company with 20 production sites and 4,000 employees
- Kingspan – A global insulation provider, investing $750 million in expansion
- Ornua – The owner of Kerrygold, with more than 700 employees in Wisconsin and Minnesota
- Ryanair – A key Boeing customer, placing a $40 billion aircraft order
Cultural Sector Growth and Film Industry Recognition
Beyond business and trade, Martin also highlighted the increasing role of Ireland’s cultural sector, which now accounts for nearly 9% of employment in the country.
The SXSW festival is an important platform for Irish film and television, with six projects supported by Screen Ireland making their debut at the event this year. These include:
- “The Astronaut”, filmed in Ardmore Studios
- “Mix Tape”, an Irish-Australian co-production
- “The Surfer”, directed by Irish filmmaker Lorcan Finnegan
- “Drop”, an Irish-made feature
- “Hallow Road”, a Czech-Irish-UK co-production filmed in Wicklow
- “Retirement Plan”, an animated short funded by Screen Ireland and RTÉ
With Ireland’s film and creative industries gaining international recognition, Martin noted that these industries not only contribute to Ireland’s economy but also strengthen cultural ties between Ireland and the US.
Looking Ahead to the White House Meeting
As Martin prepares for his meeting with President Trump, discussions are expected to focus on:
- Trade and investment policies
- The future of US-Irish business partnerships
- Global issues, including the war in Ukraine
- Northern Ireland’s political landscape
The Taoiseach will also participate in the traditional St. Patrick’s Day shamrock presentation at the White House, reaffirming the longstanding friendship between Ireland and the US.
With economic collaboration, cultural exchanges, and political discussions on the agenda, Martin’s visit aims to strengthen ties between both nations, ensuring that Ireland remains a key partner for the US in the years to come.
