Visit by An Taoiseach to New York and Connecticut, 24-25 September 2015
On 24 September, the Taoiseach had a number of engagements in Connecticut. He travelled to Quinnnipiac University in Hamden where he visited Ireland's Great Hunger Museum and was presented with an honorary degree of humane letters; and a post-ceremony reception, he met with University faculty, students and representatives of the Irish community in Connecticut.
During his address, the Taoiseach paid tribute to the President of Quinnipiac University, Dr. John Lahey for his vision for education and for his supreme dedication to Ireland and the Irish.
Reflecting on the Great Famine and on his tour earlier of the Great Hunger Museum with Dr. John Lahey, President of the University, the Taoiseach said:
“We live, psychologically, socially even spiritually with its consequences. And what experience it was… that was lived or endured……..Not just famine……. but fever, typhoid, dysentery……Eviction…… mass movement of people…… within the island….. and eventually from its shores……
All of it affecting the politics and future of our small Atlantic island….. and the American continent.”
Later in the day, the Taoiseach met with the CEO of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), Mr. Greg Hayes, at their Connecticut HQ. UTC have significant operations in Ireland in a number of locations. At this meeting, it was announced that UTC would create 20 new jobs at a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre in Shannon. Welcoming the announcement and the associated €6 million investment in UTC’s Shannon centre, the Taoiseach said “this is a vote of confidence in the Irish economy and recognises the potential of the Shannon Group as a centre of aviation enterprise and jobs. The creation of such high quality jobs is a key part of the Government's Action Plan for Jobs strategy for the regions."
The following day, on 25 September, the Taoiseach addressed the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development. This year was one of the largest gatherings of world leaders in history, at which a shared blueprint for sustainable development for the next 15 years was agreed. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals sets out how all the nations of the world will work together to end extreme poverty and hunger and to ensure people have the opportunity to to make sure all of our people live in peaceful and stable societies.
The Taoiseach also met on 25 September with Eamonn Donlyn, Irish TV Vice President, and officially opened Irish TV’s new office in New York on Park Avenue, expanding the international reach of the company.
At the launch, the Taoiseach said:
“Seeing an Irish media company on the international stage is exciting not only for the group here in New York, but highlights the great potential for the Irish across the United States. I’m delighted to see the development of this new platform which will bring local communities together, connect business, promote tourism, share Irish culture and truly offer a new bridge of communication across the Atlantic.”