Washington DC Trip 2023

County Kildare Chamber Public Affairs Manager Sinéad

Ronan, was in Washington DC in May as part of a 50 strong delegation representing Ireland at Select USA, one of the largest investment summits in the world, led by U.S. Ambassador Claire Cronin and her team.

The summit was a significant event for Ireland’s business community, providing valuable insights into various business opportunities available for Irish businesses looking to invest in the United States. With representatives from most US states present, it offered a chance for Kildare to strengthen its existing connections and explore new partnerships within the US.

The delegation included several state agencies, such as Enterprise Ireland, led by Leo Clancy, and officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment. Their presence demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to supporting businesses in expanding their operations internationally.

The Irish ambassador to the US, Geraldine Byrne Nason, and the Irish Embassy team provided a warm welcome and support to the visiting delegation and hosted a welcome reception to the visiting delegation at her residence in DC.

The Chambers Ireland network was well-represented at the event, with participation from a geographical spread, including Cork Chamber, Galway Chamber, Waterford Chamber, and Dublin Chamber. Additionally, the collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland allowed for a unified and positive message about

Irish innovation and investment opportunities to be conveyed.

Overall, the Select USA Investment Summit served as an important platform for Kildare and Ireland to showcase its capabilities, forge new connections, and strengthen existing relationships with US counterparts.

Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD

Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath TD attended a County Kildare Chamber Policy Advisory Council meeting on the 18th May, followed by the annual Chamber Presidents Lunch. During the productive sessions, Minister McGrath engaged with local business leaders and discussed crucial matters related to Kildare with a primary focus on Budget 2024.

President Mairead Hennessy during the luncheon, praised the Chamber’s increased efforts in providing opportunities for its members locally, nationally, and internationally, as evidenced by the growing membership and successful lobbying activities. She highlighted the significance of the earlier meeting with Minister McGrath, stating, “Today, our Policy Advisory Council had an extremely productive meeting with Minister McGrath focused on supports for business and our key asks for Budget 2024”.

Sinéad Ronan, the Public Affairs Manager, stated ‘It was great to have the opportunity to welcome Minister McGrath to today’s Policy Advisory Council meeting’. She emphasized the wide-ranging discussions held during the meeting, which covered key challenges and opportunities facing the business community in Kildare and the mid-eastern region. Topics such as housing, skills gaps, government funding initiatives, infrastructure difficulties and Budget 2024 were thoroughly addressed.

Allan Shine, CEO County Kildare Chamber expressed his gratitude for Minister McGrath’s visit to Naas, emphasizing the timeliness and importance of the meeting. He stressed the significance of direct engagement between Minister McGrath and the Chamber, the Local Enterprise Office, and the Council to address issues directly impacting Kildare businesses. CEO Shine stated, “This was a positive and useful engagement with Minister McGrath, and we hope to have ongoing engagements with Government Ministers, especially at this crucial time for many of our members with regard to Budget 2024.”

Minister McGrath, acknowledging the strength of the economy highlighted the positive state of employment in Ireland, surpassing pre-pandemic levels with an increase of 220,000 working individuals, representing a historic milestone for the county. With 2.6 million people now employed in the Irish economy, Minister McGrath commended the businesses present at the luncheon for their contributions to investment, innovation, risk-taking, and job creation.

The Minister also made specific mention of the equine industry within Kildare and the contribution it makes to the county, with 3 racecourses and over 15,000 people employed either directly or indirectly through the sector. He reassured industry leaders that the Government stood foursquare behind the sector which makes a huge economic contribution not just to Kildare but to the country.

Minister McGrath also addressed economic matters, emphasising the Government’s commitment to addressing the inflationary pressures caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While acknowledging the recent decline in inflation, he warned that the necessary monetary policy response would significantly impact the country’s economic development in the coming years, including the potential consequences associated with high interest rates.

Minister McGrath expressed satisfaction with the current state of public finances, highlighting the budget surpluses that enable policy choices for the benefit of the economy. County Kildare Chamber extends its appreciation to Minister McGrath for his valuable insights and looks forward to continued collaboration with the government, especially as Budget 2024 approaches.