Taoiseach formally opens the Consulate General of Ireland in Miami
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D., today formally opened the Consulate General of Ireland in Miami. The Consulate is the eighth Consulate in Ireland’s US network and was established under the Global Ireland strategy (2018) which commits to doubling Ireland’s diplomatic footprint.
Miami was chosen on the basis of Ireland’s strong bilateral trade profile (worth $5.8 bn in 2022) and Florida’s ever increasing economic and political importance. There is also a large Irish diaspora in Florida and seven direct flights from Ireland to Florida, four of which are year-round.
Since opening last October, the Consulate has been scaling up operations and is now responsible for the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
During his visit to Miami, the Taoiseach met with Florida’s Secretary of State, Cord Byrd; the Mayor of Miami Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava; the Chairman of the Miami Dade County Commission, Oliver Gilbert III, along with Commissioners Eileen Higgins, Kevin Marino Cabrera and Jose Carlos Bermudez; Mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez; the Mayor of Miami Beach, Dan Gelber and members of the Miami Beach Commission.
He addressed a large gathering of Irish community members, and political and economic contacts of the Consulate at the Wolfsonian-Florida International Museum. The Taoiseach was shown a preview of an exhibition on the Celtic Revival which has Harry Clarke’s famous “Geneva Window” as its centrepiece.
The Taoiseach was also presented with a Key to the City of Miami Beach by Mayor Gelber.
The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said:
“The United States is among our most important partners, economically, politically, culturally, and in terms of our people-to-people relationships.
“Florida is now the third most populated state after California and Texas. It has a very big economy and it’s important that Ireland should have a base here. The Consulate will also provide services to many Irish citizens and visitors, and will host our office of the Caribbean.
“With the opening of the Consulate General in Miami, Ireland is now represented by a network of eight Consulates, working under the leadership of our Embassy in Washington DC to advance our goals and interests in the United States.”
ENDS