Liverpool City Region Mayor strengthens economic ties with Ireland during diplomatic visit

Mayor Steve Rotheram has wrapped up a high-profile diplomatic visit to Dublin and Belfast, setting the foundation for a new era of economic collaboration between the North West and Ireland.

With an impressive £2 billion in trade flowing annually between the North West and Ireland, this visit by the Liverpool City Region Mayor focused on securing major investment opportunities, boosting business links, and advancing progress in green technology and innovation.

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.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“Liverpool and Ireland share a history that goes back centuries – but this visit was about the future.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

Mayor Steve Rotheram added:

“This visit was about more than just meetings – it was about creating real opportunities.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said:

“Our cultural links are a huge asset – not just in tourism, but in business too.

“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.

“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.”

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.

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