The Irish in Britain

02 April 2014

One of the most distinctive features of an Irish Ambassadorial posting in London derives from the fact that we have such a large Irish community in Britain.  This makes it unique among Irish diplomatic assignments.

The existence of this community is one of the cornerstones of our relations with our nearest neighbour.  In the 2011 UK Census, some 530,000 people in England and Wales identified themselves as Irish. In addition, there are many millions with recent Irish roots.  It has been a real pleasure for me since my arrival in London in September 2013 to get to know our community. 

I have attended many community events around the country and met with a range of Irish organisations when they have visited the Embassy. I am deeply impressed with what I have discovered about the scale, quality and diversity of the Irish in Britain.

Irish people residing in Britain come from all corners of Ireland and they are to be found living and working in every part of their host country. They are represented in every walk of life here and have made a huge contribution to British society.

Our Embassy maintains extensive contact with Irish organisations all over Britain. Each year under our Emigrant Support Programme more than 100 Irish organisations receive funding to support their work within the Irish community. The Programme has a particular emphasis on the elderly Irish and on the welfare of vulnerable groups. Last year, funds to the tune of £5.3 million were made available to support Irish community projects.

It is great to have so many Irish organisations in Britain - county associations, community welfare groups, business networks and cultural organisations. These are valuable assets for Ireland in that they connect our community with home. A feature of the Irish in Britain is that they are fully integrated into their host society, but retain a strong and proud sense of Irish identity.

I have been pleased to see two wonderful Irish organisations thriving in Britain today. I refer to the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. The GAA has had a hugely successful season in 2013 and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, recently announced a grant of €600,000 from the Emigrant Support Programme for the development of the home of London GAA at Ruislip. Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann also receives significant annual financial support from the Emigrant Support Programme.

I hope that many of the Irish in Britain will choose to return to Ireland in the coming years bringing with them ideas, skills and experience that can contribute to Ireland's future development and well being. For those who choose to remain in Britain, I hope that they will retain their connection with Ireland by means of participation in Irish community organisations. It will be a priority of mine while I am serving as Ambassador in London to remain in close contact with our community and to support Irish organisations in every way I can.

Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador