Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD, along with Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD, have announced over €4.6 million in grants to support Irish diaspora organisations in the US and Canada. The funding, distributed through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), will assist 145 organisations in delivering essential services to vulnerable emigrants while promoting Irish heritage and strengthening connections with new generations of Irish and Irish-Americans.
Speaking at an Irish community event in New York, the Tánaiste emphasized that the ESP reaffirms the government’s commitment to sustaining vibrant Irish communities abroad. He highlighted that this year’s programme also supports first-time applicants from states including Louisiana, Delaware, Baltimore, and Nevada, reflecting the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network in the US under the Global Ireland strategy.
Minister Richmond underscored the importance of building closer economic ties with diaspora-connected business networks, noting their expertise and willingness to support Ireland’s trade and investment priorities. He stressed that the new diaspora strategy aims to leverage this goodwill to help Irish businesses thrive in key international markets.
For Canada, nearly €480,000 has been allocated to 41 organisations, supporting services for seniors, new arrivals, and community events from Newfoundland to Vancouver. Minister Richmond highlighted the historical and cultural bonds between Canada and Ireland, noting that around 15% of Canadians claim Irish descent. He will visit Toronto to meet organisations delivering these services as part of a global consultation on the government’s new diaspora strategy.
