Governor Mills Concludes Productive Mission to Ireland

Governor explores economic, academic, and cultural partnerships in western region with substantial ties to Maine

Galway, IRELAND - Governor Janet Mills concluded her multi-day mission to Ireland in Connemara, a region on Western Ireland's Atlantic Coast with deep ties to Maine.

In the 1880s, a major wave of Irish immigrants from Connemara settled in Portland, finding employment in familiar jobs along Portland's working waterfront. The new immigrants brought their language and culture and forever shaped neighborhoods like Munjoy Hill and parts of the West End of Portland. Today, a significant percentage of Maine people trace their ancestry to this region.

In the City of Galway, the Governor met with Údarás na Gaeltachta, a regional authority responsible for the economic, social, and cultural development of Ireland's Irish-speaking regions, known as the Gaeltacht. The Governor and leaders of the organization discussed opportunities to foster economic, academic, and cultural partnerships that build on ties between Maine and Connemara and their ocean economies.

"From the longshoremen who powered Portland's industrial economy to the highest levels of state government, immigrants from Connemara have made an indelible mark on Portland and our entire state. In fact, former Governor Joe Brennan was the son of Connemara immigrants who spoke Irish on Munjoy Hill. It was an honor to visit this special region and learn about how we can build on our cross-Atlantic economic, cultural, and family ties to create new opportunities for partnership and economic growth," said Governor Mills.

"The visit by Governor Mills highlights the important links between Maine and Ireland. Ireland is the fifth largest investor in the United States, and we share wonderful two-way trade relations," said Irish Senate President Mark Daly. "The establishment of the Maine-Ireland Trade Commission in recent years and visits such as this will only ensure this relationship continues to thrive long in the future."

During her mission to Ireland, Governor Mills met with government officials responsible for education, economic development, fisheries, and maritime affairs to discuss the longstanding partnership between Maine and Ireland and areas for future collaboration across various sectors.

In Kildare, Governor Mills visited BNRG's Dunmurry Solar Farm, a decommissioned golf course turned into a high-performing renewable energy site. BNRG is partnered with Dirigo Solar, a Portland-based solar energy company. BNRG was selected as the Solar Farm Project of the Year at the Irish Renewable Energy Awards 2025 for the Dunmurry Solar Farm, which, combined with BNRG's Kerdiffstown Solar Farm, will provide power to over 5,400 homes each year.

In Dublin, the Governor met with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Micheál Martin and other top government leaders. The Governor brought greetings from Maine to Prime Minister Martin at the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Irish American Partnership, a Boston-based charitable organization that raises funds for youth initiatives in Ireland. The Governor also spoke with respected former Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, co-signer of the historic 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The Governor attended the dinner as the guest of Irish Senate President Mark Daly.

During the dinner, the Governor also spoke about strengthening ties between Maine and Ireland with dignitaries and business leaders including former Boston Mayor and U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, former Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Daniel Mulhall, and World Trade Centre Dublin President and University of Maine graduate Maureen Pace.

At Leinster House (the home of Ireland's parliament), Governor Mills participated in a bilateral discussion with Teachta Dála (Representative) Conor McGuinness, Chair of the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, to discuss opportunities for collaboration between Maine and Ireland's ocean economies.

The Governor participated in a series of bilateral meetings with Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Éireann (President of the Irish Senate). In 2021, Senator Daly launched the American Irish State Legislatures Caucus, a bipartisan network of current and former legislators in the United States and Ireland. Senator Daly visited the Maine State House in 2024 as part of his extensive travels across the United States.

During a meeting with James Lawless, Ireland's Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Governor Mills and Minister Lawless discussed opportunities for Maine and Ireland to collaborate in higher education and medical research and innovation. The Governor also met with Teachta Dála and former Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe.

Governor kicked off her mission at Blue Ambition 2026, a global gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers focused on innovation, investment, and growth in the blue bioeconomy. The Governor highlighted Maine as a great place for investment during afternoon remarks and met with international economic and government leaders. She also discussed opportunities for trade and collaboration during a meeting with Irish Agriculture, Food, and Marine Minister Timmy Dooley.

As a result of the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union, Ireland has emerged as North America's economic gateway to Europe. Recognizing the realignment and its impact on Maine businesses, Governor Mills signed legislation in 2023 creating the Maine-Island of Ireland Trade Commission to promote bilateral trade opportunities between Maine and Ireland. Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Governor Mills returns to Maine this weekend.