Speech by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D. at the opening of the new Irish Consulate in Austin, Texas

The decision by my Government to open the new Ireland House in Austin demonstrates Ireland’s commitment to Texas and the strong value that we attach to Ireland-Texan relations both now and into the future.

But Ireland’s relationship with Texas is not new; the Irish and Texan peoples have shared a close history for centuries

Hugh O’Connor, a Dublin native, served as Spain’s Governor to Texas from 1767-1770.

Eleven Irishmen died at the Battle of the Alamo. Their sacrifice will be recalled by the Irish community in San Antonio on St Patrick’s Day with a wreath-laying ceremony.

Millions of Irish men and women also contributed to the development of this great State by building its physical infrastructure and establishing schools, universities and hospitals.

We can be justifiably proud of the legacy they have left, and proud too of the major contribution that the Irish make today – creating jobs and improving their communities including here in Texas

This is why the Irish Government is seeking to work with friends across the US to achieve a positive outcome to the challenges faced by undocumented Irish in this country.

As we mark a major new phase in Ireland-Texas relationships, I want to acknowledge the work of Irish and Irish-American societies and organisations in Texas over the years, including the Harp and Shamrock and Irish Cultural Societies in San Antonio, the Ireland Funds, the Irish-American Society in Dallas, and the Houston Irish Society to name but a few of a growing list.

I would like to thank Lori Gallagher and the Houston Irish Society for their pioneering role in building up the successful Flynn Irish Studies Centre in Houston.

And, I would also like to thank Ireland’s long-serving Honorary Consul John Kane for his incredible personal support for the Flynn Centre but also for his long service to Ireland for many decades.

In November last year Harry McKillop, a great friend of Ireland, passed away, but I am confident that the next generation of Irish and Irish-Americans in Texas will continue Harry’s legacy by promoting Ireland and Irish culture and heritage into the future.

The goodwill generated by Irish communities and diaspora organisations is critical to Ireland’s standing in this great State and throughout this country. These efforts are deeply appreciated by the Government and we want to build on them and make them sustainable in the long-term. That vision forms the heart of the Government’s first ever Diaspora policy, Global Irish, published a few weeks ago.

I know there’s also a vibrant Irish sporting community here in Texas and that the State is home to four great GAA teams. It’s great to hear that Austin’s Celtic Cowboys will host the GAA All Stars later this year.

I also want to take this opportunity to warmly welcome Ireland’s newest arrival in Texas. One of Ireland’s top soccer stars Stephanie Roche only arrived in Texas two days ago and I wish her every success in her new club, Houston Dash. I am certain that this will soon have one of the highest Irish followings of any soccer club in the US. Welcome also to Dean Zambra, Stephanie’s partner.

I have great confidence in the future of the relationship between Texas and Ireland.

Ireland’s economy grew faster than any other in the EU in 2014 and we expect to retain this position in 2015. Jobs are being created across Ireland and we are exporting more than we ever have before. As the only English-speaking country in the eurozone, we continue to be the location of choice for growing companies who want barrier-free access to the European market of half a billion people.

Irish exports to Texas are strong, in areas ranging from tech to pharmaceuticals to the delicious cheese and drinks that you are enjoying at this reception. But there is still enormous untapped potential for growth and further trade development.

This office, which combines the Consulate General, IDA Ireland our investment agency and Enterprise Ireland, which is responsible to helping Irish companies trade overseas will be central to these efforts.

But this is a two-way relationship, and it will extend across many sectors.

We were delighted to welcome the Texas State Secretary to Dublin last year on a trade mission to win Irish investment in Texas.

I invited Governor Abbott to visit Ireland to build on that visit and to further promote the growing economic relationship between Ireland and the Lone Star State.

The new Ireland House team will also work to promote stronger links between Irish and Texan Universities, to increase tourism numbers and to support and celebrate Ireland’s unique culture and heritage across the Lone Star state and across the US southwest.

Speaking of tourism, I understand Nan Cantwell who is with us here today has visited Ireland some 12 times over the past 50 years – and she is planning to visit the west coast again this year. If you don’t take my word that Ireland is a great place to visit, take Nan’s.

Next year Ireland and Texas will mark two momentous events in their history. Texas will celebrate the 180th anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence signed in 1836 – which included a number of Irish signatories.

2016 is also a major year for Ireland as we celebrate the Easter Rising of 1916, a critical event in the tumultuous years which led to Ireland’s own independence.

Throughout 2016 Ireland will mark this centenary of the Rising by commemorating those who died to secure our freedom, and to celebrate the last one hundred years of Irish history and culture with our friends around the world, including here in Texas.

So ladies and gentlemen, the opening of the new Consulate and Ireland House is just the latest chapter in a great history between Ireland and Texas.

I want to wish our new Consul General Adrian Farrell and all the Ireland House team great success in this important work.

I would also like to thank you all again for coming here today and for your engagement and support for Ireland and the staff here at Ireland House.

I want to give a special thanks to Pat Doab, Cara Quinn and other hard-working members of Irish Network Austin who supported the Consulate in organising today’s event, hopefully the first of very many in this new Ireland House.