US visit highlights opportunities to promote Offaly on international stage

FINE Gael TD for Offaly, John Clendennen, has described his recent visit to the United States, which included engagements in Washington DC and New York City, as a highly productive and valuable opportunity to strengthen ties and promote Offaly on an international stage.

During the visit, Deputy Clendennen participated in a series of high-level engagements focused on strengthening economic, political and cultural links between Ireland and the United States. In Washington DC, discussions centred on the future of US–Ireland economic relations, with a particular focus on investment opportunities, data centre development and regional growth.

Deputy Clendennen met with key stakeholders, including representatives from major US companies such as Amazon, US Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh, as well as leadership from Enterprise Ireland and the IDA, where he emphasised Offaly’s strong potential to attract investment, create jobs, and support the development of a thriving enterprise ecosystem in the Midlands.

Speaking following the visit, Deputy Clendennen said “This visit was an important opportunity to ensure that counties like Offaly are firmly on the radar when it comes to future US investment. With the continued strengthening of US–Ireland relations, there are real opportunities emerging, and I am determined that Offaly is well positioned to benefit.”

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In New York, Deputy Clendennen joined Cathaoirleach John Leahy, Offaly County Council Chief Executive Eoghan Ryan, as well as Councillors Noel Cribbin and Hughie Egan, for the annual trip. Participating in a range of St Patrick’s Day engagements, including events along Fifth Avenue, Deputy Clendennen celebrated Ireland’s deep-rooted connection with the United States and the enduring contribution of the Irish diaspora.

He also met with civic leaders including New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani and representatives of the Irish-American community, reinforcing long-standing ties and highlighting the pride and connection that so many abroad continue to have with counties like Offaly.

“It was a privilege to represent Offaly on such a significant global stage,” Deputy Clendennen added. “The sense of pride among the Irish diaspora is extraordinary, and it was fantastic to see so many with strong connections to Offaly flying the flag so proudly, I want to in particular acknowledge and thank Paddy Hogan, Denis Nolan, Martin Furlong and everyone involved in the Offaly Association.”

Deputy Clendennen concluded by reaffirming his commitment to building on the relationships developed during the visit “I will continue to work with colleagues at home and abroad to translate these connections into tangible opportunities for Offaly, whether that is through investment, tourism or strengthened cultural links.”

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