Tánaiste announces Ireland House Toronto
- Published on: 18 March 2024
- Last updated on: 9 July 2024
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin today announced the plan to open a new flagship ‘Ireland House’ in Toronto. Following the opening of new Consulates in Toronto and Vancouver under the Global Ireland programme, the new Ireland House in Toronto will house the Consulate General together with representatives of Ireland’s economic and trade promotion agencies.
The announcement comes as the Tánaiste visits Toronto for a series of political, business, and community engagements as part of his visit to Canada for St. Patrick’s Day 2024.
Welcoming the announcement, the Tánaiste said:
“Ireland and Canada enjoy excellent bilateral relations. We mark 85 years of diplomatic relations in 2024 and our long-standing links are strong and diverse, spanning centuries and many areas – business, politics, culture and education. Building on these historic links, we continue to be connected by our peoples, not least through our large and diverse Irish community across Canada.
“This government has a clear commitment to strengthen and deepen our relations with Canada - a key partner for Ireland. As part of the government’s Global Ireland 2025 Strategy, we have expanded our Team Ireland presence across Canada significantly since I opened the Enterprise Ireland office in Toronto in 2006.
“Since 2018, we have tripled our diplomatic footprint, with the opening of a Consulate General in Vancouver in 2018 and in Toronto in 2022. This strong Team Ireland presence has been essential to promoting Irish interests in Canada, and will significantly strengthen Ireland’s footprint.
“Ireland House Toronto is clear evidence of the high priority we place on growing Ireland’s connections not only in Toronto, but all across Canada. It is a tangible example of the ambition of the Global Ireland strategy and represents an exciting opportunity for Team Ireland to increase engagement with our hugely important partners in Canada.”
Minister for Enterprise Trade, and Employment Simon Coveney said:
“I warmly welcome the announcement of the new flagship Ireland House in Toronto which will provide an enhanced platform for Team Ireland in Canada to work collectively in support of the government’s enterprise, trade and investment priorities. Our trading relationship with Canada is valued at over €10 billion, and the continued roll out of the Ireland House model will allow us to unlock new opportunities for Irish businesses in Canada, for supporting jobs and exports, and for promoting Ireland as a premier choice of investment location.”