• Mayor Steve Rotheram meets Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Dublin and Belfast Lord Mayors
• Discussions on major investment opportunities, expanding business links, green technology, innovation and tourism
• Mayor to lead follow-up trade mission in November

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has completed a high-profile diplomatic visit to Dublin and Belfast, setting the stage for a new era of economic collaboration between the North West and Ireland.

With £2 billion in trade flowing between the North West and Ireland annually, the visit focused on securing major investment opportunities, expanding business links, and accelerating progress in green technology and innovation.

Mayor with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

It also aligns with Mayor Rotheram’s pledge to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Liverpool City Region by 25% before the end of the decade, ensuring the region attracts world-leading companies, high-quality jobs, and long-term economic growth.

The trip also laid the groundwork for a major trade delegation in November, when Mayor Rotheram will return with business leaders to finalise trade agreements, unlock investment, and create high-value jobs on both sides of the Irish Sea.

“Liverpool and Ireland share a history that goes back centuries – but this visit was about the future,” said Mayor Rotheram. “With the right partnerships, we can build a stronger, greener, more prosperous economy on both sides of the Irish Sea. Whether it’s trade, renewable energy, or digital innovation, we have so much potential to unlock together – and we’re determined to make it happen.”

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As Ireland’s fourth-largest trading partner, the Liverpool City Region is uniquely positioned as the UK’s gateway to Irish markets, particularly as businesses navigate post-Brexit trade. Mayor Rotheram met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris to discuss expanding trade, attracting Irish investment into Liverpool’s Freeport and Innovation Zone, and aligning on sustainability projects.

Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham with Tánaiste Simon Harris

Meetings with Dublin’s Lord Mayor Emma Blain and Belfast’s Lord Mayor Micky Murray focused on strengthening business and tourism links, positioning Liverpool as a key trade and logistics hub between the UK and Ireland.

Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham with Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain.

Mayor Rotheram with with Microsoft Executives.

Mayor Rotheram also met with senior leaders from Randox, FinTru, Microsoft, and IBM, some of Ireland’s biggest employers in tech and life sciences, to explore new research collaborations, attract FDI, and secure joint funding in renewable energy projects.

“This visit was about more than just meetings – it was about creating real opportunities,” the Mayor added. “We’re building bridges that will translate into jobs, investment, and economic growth. That’s what devolution is all about – giving our region the power to shape its own future.”

Mayor Rotheram on a tour of Randox.

Mayor with Darragh McCarthy (FinTrU Founder) Clare McGuinness (CEX Chamber) and Gavin Annon (Chamber President)

Liverpool City Region is leading the UK in clean energy innovation, with major investments in tidal power, offshore wind, and hydrogen technology. This aligns with Ireland’s ambitious sustainability goals, and discussions explored joint investment in renewable energy projects that could unlock millions in funding and create thousands of highly skilled jobs.

Mayors Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham with Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy Darragh O’Brien TD

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Beyond energy, the visit reinforced Liverpool’s rapidly growing digital economy. With the city region home to world-class research in AI, life sciences, and advanced materials, conversations with Irish tech firms focused on joint research, business partnerships, and scaling up digital infrastructure between the city region and Ireland.

Mayor Delivering Talk at IIEA

With £300 million of Liverpool City Region exports heading to Ireland annually, the Liverpool Freeport and Innovation Zone offer a huge opportunity for Irish businesses to establish UK operations, while also opening up new markets for Liverpool-based firms. Discussions also covered ways to reduce trade barriers, improve port connectivity, and enhance logistics.

The Mayor speaking at IBM

This visit was a key step towards achieving Mayor Rotheram’s commitment to increasing FDI into Liverpool City Region by 25% before the end of the decade. By strengthening ties with global investors, the region aims to attract high-growth industries, secure new business headquarters, and create long-term economic benefits for local people.

Liverpool is often called “Ireland’s second capital”, with an estimated 75% of Liverpudlians having Irish heritage. Mayor Rotheram’s visit to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin highlighted the historic migration links between the two regions, reinforcing Liverpool’s unique position as a bridge between Ireland and the UK.

“Our cultural links are a huge asset – not just in tourism, but in business too,” the Mayor said. “By strengthening our ties, we’re not just celebrating our past but ensuring that our future destinies are intertwined too – driving economic growth on both sides of the Irish Sea.”

This visit marks just the beginning of a renewed era of partnership between Liverpool City Region and Ireland. Mayor Rotheram will return to Ireland in November 2025, leading a major business delegation to finalise trade agreements, expand investment opportunities, and create new jobs for both regions.

“We’ve got big ambitions – and Ireland is a key partner in making them happen. Now it’s time to turn these partnerships into real results.”