Taoiseach Micheál Martin to undertake political and community programme in New York

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today (23 September) undertake a series of engagements in New York, as part of his visit for the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

The Taoiseach will meet with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. With Governor Hochul, the Taoiseach will announce $90,000 in Irish Government funding, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for the

development of the James Joyce Museum at the University at Buffalo, a project which has also received significant support from the State of New York. The University at Buffalo's James Joyce Collection is one of the most significant repositories of Joyce material anywhere in the world.

With Mayor Mamdani, the Taoiseach will reflect on the enduring contribution of Irish women and men to the city of New York - from their role in building the city’s key infrastructure, to those who have served in community and political leadership, and prominent figures in the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

The Taoiseach will also visit the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, Queens. At the New York Irish Center, the Taoiseach will have the opportunity to meet members of the centre’s seniors community.

Finally, the Taoiseach will attend a dinner hosted by the Ireland Funds, where he will recognise their the important work across the island of Ireland.

Speaking ahead of his programme, the Taoiseach said:

“I look forward to undertaking a programme of local engagements during my time in New York. The relationship between Ireland and the U.S., both in terms of economic and community links, is hugely significant. I am keen to hear the views of leaders on how we can maintain strong relations.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani to discuss the deep ties that bind New York and Ireland going back centuries. The weekly seniors’ programme at the New York Irish Center is a chance to engage with and hear from the Irish women and men who served this city and state over many decades in a variety of sectors.”