Revealed: Tipperary man involved in improved Irish/UK trade partnership

The United Kingdom is our closest and most important economic partner in terms of trade, investment, and tourism.

The British and Irish Governments enjoy a strong partnership that supports peace for both independent sovereign states.

The diversity of the connections between the Irish Republic and the United Kingdom is represented not only in our educational and economic ties but, more importantly, through the lives of the many Irish citizens and descendants of Ireland who are fully resident in England, Wales, and Scotland.

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Prof. Michael Casey (Templemore), a Board member of the British and Irish Trading Alliance (BITA), recently reminded his onlookers that the economies of Ireland and the UK benefit from a significant flow of people, commodities, capital investment and an academic exchange of ideas, in all varying forms.

The Irish Republic was the sixth largest trading partner for the UK in 2024, accounting for over one third of Irish exports destined to the UK.

Currently, the UK remains the largest single terminus for Irish food, drink, and agriculture exports, reflecting the reciprocal relationship between Ireland and our nearest neighbour.

Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ireland was, as Prof. Casey further points out, over 106.3 billion euro in 2024, an increase of 7.0% on 2023.

There can be no denying that there has been substantial growth over the last decade, with a 58% increase in growth of goods exported from Ireland to the UK.

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Correspondingly, there has been a 55% increase in imports from the UK to Ireland during the same period. The many and vital connections between Ireland and the UK give us much to celebrate and build on.

This is corroborated by how well the large Irish community in Britian has somewhat amalgamated itself into the broader British discourse of life.

According to statistics from the last census, there are over 520,000 Irish-born people living in England and Wales, with many cultural and community centres for the Irish diaspora thriving across the UK.

In particular, the cultural relationship between the UK and Ireland is characterised by a rich and dynamic exchange of mutual influence.

Shared cultural values such as the fine arts, literature, music, and sports have woven a complex tapestry of international traditions.

Irish visual and literary accomplishments have made major contributions to British culture, while British theatre, art and media have found fervent audiences in Ireland.

Finally, the majority of economists believe that Brexit has harmed the UK’s economy and reduced its real per capita income.

However, Prof. Casey is of the opinion that, in the long term both the Irish Republic and UK will find ways to engage with each other in the most imaginative and enduring business partnerships.

Ultimately, that is the true nature and spirit of entrepreneurship.