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Deputy Consul General of Ireland highlights trade, education links with Connecticut
Summary
Gareth Hargregan, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York, briefed the Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission on trade ties, university exchange programs and the Hartford–Dublin air link, citing recent trade figures and urging continued educational and working-level connections.
Gareth Hargregan, deputy consul general at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York, told the Connecticut-Ireland Trade Commission that the Ireland–U.S. economic relationship “exceeds €1 trillion” in value and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and he urged the commission to sustain momentum through education and working-level contacts.
Hargregan said educational links are a key way to maintain long-term engagement. He pointed to Irish-studies offerings and university partnerships in Connecticut — naming Fairfield University, Sacred Heart University, the University of Connecticut and Quinnipiac University — as “one of the very important stepping stones” for future trade and people-to-people ties. “When people get involved in that relationship knowing more about a country, knowing more about each other at that university ... those people will then go on in their careers with a greater understanding,” he said.
The deputy consul general also cited recent trade and travel figures provided by state agencies: Connecticut goods exports to Ireland in 2024 were reported at about $84 million and services exports at about $470 million. He noted the Hartford–Dublin air link and said the route helps increase visits and commerce between the state and Ireland.
During a brief question-and-answer period, commissioners and academics asked about ways to expand education programs, internship models and working-level contacts on the East Coast. Hargregan recommended a coordinated “Team Ireland” approach used out of the consulate in New York — where agencies such as Bord Bia (the Irish food promotion agency), Enterprise Ireland (trade promotion), IDA Ireland (investment promotion) and Tourism Ireland coordinate outreach — and offered to share contact details and introductions.
Commissioners raised next steps including inviting working-level representatives to appear before the commission and sharing contact information. Hargregan said he would circulate successor contact details for the consulate and that his office could help set up introductions.
The discussion closed with commissioners noting education as a top subcommittee topic for future meetings, and with the consulate offering to follow up with materials and contacts requested by the commission.
