Mayors and Council Leaders meet Irish President and Taoiseach to strengthen trade and cultural ties
- Mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region embark on second mission to Dublin, meeting with Irish Present and Taoiseach to discuss trade, devolution and shared innovation goals.
- Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region’s strong relationship with Ireland driving innovation, research excellence and job creation.
- Leaders joined by 11 businesses from Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region.
Leaders from the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester held talks with the Irish government this week as part of a trade and investment mission to Dublin.
Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham were joined by Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson, Manchester City Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig and University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones on a visit aimed at deepening economic, cultural, and academic ties between the North West and Ireland.
The mission, which also featured 11 businesses from the Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester, built on a previous Mayoral visit in 2022, as well as the momentum of the UK–Ireland 2030 Joint Statement and the recent UK–Ireland Summit hosted in Liverpool, which outlined shared priorities in trade, clean energy, maritime innovation, and cultural exchange.
The delegation met outgoing Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Tuesday, 05 November where discussions centred on trade, devolution, and shared innovation goals.
And with devolution driving the next phase of growth across the UK, the North West is using new powers and partnerships to strengthen global connections — working with Ireland to share expertise and investment in key sectors, such as digital, technology, artificial intelligence and health and life sciences.
These are areas where both Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are driving innovation, supporting research excellence, and creating good jobs.
The mission saw delegates involved in roundtables with Irish ministers and tech leaders, including sessions at Accenture’s innovation hub and the Guinness Enterprise Centre.
The Liverpool City Region showcased its strengths in health and life sciences, digital technology, and clean energy. The region’s Innovation Zone, which aims to attract £800 million in investment and create 8,000 jobs, will be presented as a model for inclusive growth and international cooperation.
A key focus of the visit was the revitalisation of the Liverpool x Dublin Twinning partnership, originally established in 1997. The renewed initiative will centre on four strategic pillars: cultural exchange, green maritime development, economic growth, and deepening people-to-people ties.
As part of the mission, Councillor Liam Robinson promoted Liverpool City Region’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, including the city region’s ambition to become a convening hub for Irish Sea Rim collaboration. The twinning will be further strengthened by the signing of a new Research Seed Fund Agreement between the University of Liverpool and University College Dublin, supporting joint research in health, AI, energy, and Irish studies.
Greater Manchester has emerged in recent years as a primary destination for Irish firms expanding into the UK, contributing to sustained job creation and innovation across the wider North West – particularly in the life sciences and tech sectors.
In the last 18 months, Irish investment in Greater Manchester has led to the creation of around 400 new jobs and a £40m boost to the city region’s economy.
And in a clear sign of deepening economic ties across the Irish Sea, Greater Manchester’s service exports to Ireland surged by 60% between 2019 and 2023.
Liverpool and Manchester’s strong Irish heritage was a recurring theme throughout the visit. With an estimated 75% of Liverpool’s population having Irish ancestry, the mission will underscore Liverpool’s role as a gateway to Ireland and a key partner in cross-border collaboration.
Cllr Robinson also highlighted Liverpool City Region’s leadership in maritime decarbonisation, including plans for a green shipping corridor between Liverpool and Dublin, aligning with the UK’s Clean Maritime Strategy and Ireland’s sustainability goals.
The visit marked a significant step in Liverpool’s international engagement strategy, positioning the city as a key player in UK–Ireland relations and European collaboration. Plans are underway for Liverpool to host events during Ireland’s EU Presidency in 2026, further cementing its role in shaping regional and international policy.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:
"So many people from our city region proudly trace their roots back to Ireland and it’s been great to return for our second trade and investment mission.
“Trade between Greater Manchester and Ireland is worth nearly £2 billion a year, bringing new investment and jobs to our city region. This visit has been a chance to celebrate that success with businesses in Dublin and look ahead to the future.
“It’s been a particular honour to spend time with President Higgins in his final week in office and thank him personally for the close connections he has nurtured with the North West of England during his years of service.”
Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council said:
"Manchester and Ireland have a great deal of shared history and we are determined to ensure that we have a proud shared future too through economic and cultural co-operation.
"Manchester has distinctive strengths in key growth industries such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing as well as creative, digital and tech industries and we look forward to working with partners in Ireland to help create mutual benefits, including jobs and investment in Manchester's economy."
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said:
“Ireland has always held a special place in the hearts of people across the Liverpool City Region—and the feeling is clearly mutual. It’s why we’re often affectionately called Ireland’s 33rd county.
“We are all in Dublin this week with a clear message on behalf of the 4.5 million people we represent: we want to deepen our ties and build a more prosperous future with our closest neighbours.
“The North West and Ireland already share strong trading links and common goals in areas like renewable energy, innovation, and manufacturing—underpinned by a shared cultural warmth. There’s still huge potential to unlock together.”
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“Liverpool and Dublin share deep historical ties, but our future collaboration will be defined by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
“This mission will lay the groundwork for exciting new partnerships that will benefit both our cities and the wider Irish Sea region.”
Article Published: 06/11/2025 15:07 PM