Members of the legislative envoy at Stormont in Belfast, Ireland, in 2024 (Photo courtesy of the NH-IReland Trade Council)
The Granite State continues to strengthen its economic ties with Ireland‚ a $400 million export market for NH.
The NH-Ireland Trade Council was established in 2023 by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu last year to increase economic, academic, and cultural bonds. It is tasked with advancing trade and investment and promoting business and educational exchanges.
The initial meeting of the council took place on the heels of the governor’s trade mission to Ireland in September 2024, which included NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Taylor Caswell and Director of Economic Development Chase Hagaman.
“The ties between New Hampshire and Ireland are significant, with many opportunities for stronger economic and cultural connections,” Caswell says. “We share similar growth industries, and perspectives on how we interact with and embrace the business community.” He points out Ireland and NH are gateways into their respective regions.
Caswell recently briefed the council on the highlights of the recent trade mission, which included meetings with key government and administrative officials, business leaders, and educational institutions. The council also heard from State Senator Regina Birdsell concerning a legislative envoy to Ireland last August, which included a tour of Ireland’s Parliament and Google.
“Most American businesses that have gone there consider Ireland as an entrance to the EU because it is the only other English-speaking member,” she says, adding that there is tremendous potential for Irish companies in NH. She also wants Ryanair, an Irish airline, to offer flights out of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
“The council has discussed speaking with Ryanair to bring them to Manchester. It would make it easier to go straight to Dublin and make Manchester a go-to place,” she says.
