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H.E. Mr. Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland is welcomed to the Shannon Chamber event in Ei Electronics by Mick Guinee, chairman and founder Ei Electronics joined by Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Paul Murphy; Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes and Adeline Grenier, senior trade commissioner at the Embassy of Canada in Ireland. Photograph by Eamon Ward

His Excellency, Mr Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland has described the Canada-Ireland relationship as being at a pivotal moment, calling for both countries to lean into their shared history and economic partnership amid growing global uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and shifting trade dynamics.

Addressing an event organised by Shannon Chamber, hosted by Ei Electronics, the Ambassador, who was accompanied by Ms. Adeline Grenier, senior trade commissioner at the Embassy of Canada in Ireland, emphasised that Canada and Ireland must build more deliberately on their strong foundations to unlock future growth opportunities.

“Canada and Ireland have the history, the values, and the economic alignment to deepen our cooperation significantly.”

Praising Shannon’s historic foresight in establishing the world’s first free zone, describing it as a model of innovation that continues to attract international investment, he highlighted the importance of Ireland’s enterprise architecture, particularly Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, as globally unique assets in driving inward investment and export growth.

Encouraging Irish businesses and regional stakeholders to continually tell their story internationally, positioning Shannon and the wider region as competitive gateways to European markets, a presentation given by Ms Grenier showed that bilateral trade between Canada and Ireland reached approximately €8 billion ($13 billion CAD) in 2020, with significant opportunity for further expansion. Over 70 Canadian companies supported by IDA Ireland employ approximately 27,000 people across Ireland, both directly and indirectly.

Discussion at the meeting pointed to an interest in re-establishing and expanding direct air connectivity between Canada and Ireland as a critical enabler of business growth, tourism, and education links. While Toronto-Dublin is currently served by four airlines, the Ambassador acknowledged the need to explore expanded routes, including greater connectivity involving Shannon and other regional airports.

“Growing business interest requires reliable connectivity. Access to labour and transportation are key site-selection factors, and Shannon’s amazing asset must support future growth,” the Ambassador stated.

Highlighting the enduring people-to-people relationship between the two nations, the Ambassador said that 4.5 million Canadians claim Irish heritage; Canada’s House of Commons unanimously designated March as Irish Heritage Month in 2021; Ireland maintains strong diplomatic representation across Canada; “Irish Nights on the Hill” events in Ottawa regularly attract 400-600 attendees and; family, educational, and community ties continue to underpin strong bilateral goodwill.

He encouraged Irish companies to view Canada not simply as a market, but as a strategic partner and gateway to North America.

Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes, welcoming Ambassador King to Shannon said: “The engagement brings together senior leaders and key stakeholders from across the region to strengthen business and economic ties between Canada and Ireland, with a particular focus on collaboration, trade and investment opportunities within the Shannon region.”

Thanking the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Paul Murphy, for attending the event she described his ongoing support for strengthening the regional international partnerships as most valuable.

Ms Downes said that she was particularly delighted to welcome the delegation to Shannon given her personal connection with Canada via board membership of the Canada Ireland Foundation.

“Since joining the board last year, I have a greater appreciation of the existing links between our two countries, which, I hope, will be strengthened further because of today’s visit.

Delegates attending the event represented the diverse sectoral spread in Shannon. They were advised that the Embassy of Canada in Ireland is available to provide pre-briefings for Irish companies entering Canada; to facilitate introductions and meetings; support trade delegations; connect businesses with provincial partners and federal agencies including Export Development Canada (EDC), Invest in Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation.

“We are open, we are listening, and we want success on both sides of the Atlantic,” the Ambassador stated.

H.E. Mr. Dennis King, Ambassador of Canada to Ireland (centre) pictured at the Shannon Chamber event in Ei Electronics with Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Paul Murphy, Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber, and representatives from the region’s business community. Photograph by Eamon Ward