Minister McEntee announces €3.4 million for the London Irish Centre

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, has announced a further €3.4 million in funding for the London Irish Centre's (LIC) redevelopment project. This latest grant brings the total Irish Government funding for the Centre's redevelopment to €6.75 million.

Minister McEntee said: "Since it opened its doors in 1955, the London Irish Centre has been the focal point for support and welfare services and an important cultural venue for many generations of Irish diaspora.

"This grant is the largest single investment the Government has made in an Irish diaspora organisation. It reflects the commitment set out in Global Ireland 2025 to strengthen our engagement with Irish communities overseas.

"The LIC embodies the vision of a modern and welcoming hub that provides community care alongside a place for newer generations to express their heritage. This vision aligns with the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement priority to deepen ties between our people and cultures.

"As we look forward to the Ireland-UK summit next month and reflecting on the intensive programme of joint cooperation between our countries, this investment is a positive testament to the strength of our relationship."

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, said: "The ethos of the London Irish Centre, along with many other Irish community organisations across Britain, is one of service to those most in need. The teams of social workers, caregivers, outreach coordinators and the many volunteers embody the best of what it means to be Irish.

"This investment will help the Centre deliver key services and continue to be a hub for inter-generational engagement where the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Irish emigrants come to engage with their heritage and further deepen the vital ties between Ireland and the UK into the future.

"Together with the new flagship Ireland House being developed in London, today's announcement demonstrates the importance we attach to a strong, Irish-British relationship. The foundation of this relationship has always been our shared history and deep people-to-people ties. The London Irish Centre represents the best of those ties."

Welcoming the announcement The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "I'm proud that London is home to the UK's largest Irish community. Irish Londoners have played a huge role in shaping our capital's success and for more than seven decades, the London Irish Centre has played a pivotal role in bringing together and supporting the community. Its wonderful news that they are set to receive further funding to continue their important work, as we build a better London for everyone."

Rosaleen Blair CBE, Chair of the London Irish Centre, said: "The London Irish Centre is immensely grateful to the Irish Government for its continued support for the redevelopment of our home in Camden Square. This additional investment represents not only significant financial backing, but also a powerful vote of confidence in the Charity's mission and the enduring importance of the Irish community in Britain. Alongside the generous contributions of our valued corporate and private donors, it will enable us to move forward later this year, in transforming the Centre into a world-class destination for Irish culture and community."

Dermot O'Leary, Patron of the London Irish Centre, said: "As patron of the London Irish Centre, I am truly delighted to welcome news of the Irish government's latest investment in the Centre's redevelopment. For 70 years, the Centre has been a vital gathering place for the Irish diaspora in Britain; championing our culture, protecting our heritage and providing essential support to some of our most vulnerable. This redevelopment project is of great significance to our community both in London and beyond, and I extend my deep thanks to the Irish government for their ongoing support."

ENDS

Press Office

27 February 2026

To date, the London Irish Centre has received €3.35m in Government funding to support the redevelopment of the centre: €2.78m from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and €0.57m from Culture Ireland.

The LIC continues to provide vital support services to people in Camden and across London. In 2025, over 3,000 individuals helped with casework, £4.4m in benefits won, 10,000 meals served, as well as 30,000 visitors to the Centre. The centre is the largest provider of support services to survivors of Irish institutions: Industrial, Magdalene Laundries, and Mother and Baby Institutions.

The LIC also works with 79 other organisations to deliver their community and cultural programmes. Further details at The London Irish Centre | Irish Culture & Community Services.