Minister Richmond opens Ireland House Chicago

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has formally opened Ireland House Chicago. Ireland House Chicago brings the Consulate General of Ireland and IDA Ireland teams in Chicago together under one roof, driving collaboration between Ireland’s diplomatic and state agency teams and creating a hub to advance Ireland’s interests in the Midwestern United States.

The opening of Ireland House Chicago forms part of the Government’s Global Ireland strategy to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. There are now twenty Ireland Houses following the recent opening of others including Tokyo, New York and Singapore.

Minister Richmond said: “The opening of Ireland House marks the next chapter of Ireland’s diplomatic and economic engagement in Illinois and the wider Midwest and is a clear signal of the Government’s commitment to deepening its impact throughout the US.

“Illinois is home to over one million people of Irish descent and there are already over 30 Irish companies employing some 12,000 people throughout the state. Ireland House will drive further collaboration between our diplomatic team and our economic state agencies, providing a platform to unlock new opportunities that will benefit both Ireland, Illinois, and the Midwest.”

This new showcase premises is part of Ireland’s continuing investment in a deepened and integrated diplomatic, economic, and cultural engagement in Chicago, Illinois, and across the wider Midwestern United States, a region with a significant Irish diaspora and strong and mutually beneficial economic relationships with Ireland.

Minister Richmond welcomed the strong endorsement of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

"We invite Irish visitors and businesses to visit and experience the beauty of our city. We look forward to collaborating with Team Ireland to ensure that this hub not only opens doors to enhanced economic opportunities but also fosters cultural exchanges."

Micheal Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland commented: “IDA Ireland has a long history spanning 60 years of promoting Ireland as a destination for investment to US Mid-West and South companies across all sectors with a particularly strong focus in life sciences, and many of these companies have significant operations across regional locations in Ireland. We are very pleased to be based in the heart of Chicago and look forward to deepening and building on our relationships with our existing and target clients in the territory.”

The announcement comes as Minister Richmond visits Chicago to engage with the Irish community to inform the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy, as well as promoting economic and sporting links between Ireland and Illinois.