Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today (23 September) undertake a series of engagements in New York as part of his visit to the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week.

He is scheduled to meet New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani. With Governor Hochul, the Taoiseach will announce $90,000 in Irish Government funding, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, for the development of the James Joyce Museum at the University at Buffalo — a project that has also received significant support from the State of New York. The university's James Joyce Collection is one of the world's most significant repositories of Joyce material.

With Assembly Member Mamdani, the Taoiseach will reflect on the enduring contribution of Irish women and men to New York — from their role in building key infrastructure, to their service in community and political leadership, and their prominence in the city's vibrant cultural scene.

The Taoiseach will also visit the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, Queens, where he will meet members of the centre's seniors community.

Later, he will attend a dinner hosted by The Ireland Funds, where he will recognise their important work across the island of Ireland. Speaking ahead of his programme, the Taoiseach said: "I look forward to undertaking a programme of local engagements during my time in New York. The relationship between Ireland and the U.S., both in terms of economic and community links, is hugely significant. I am keen to hear the views of leaders on how we can maintain strong relations."

He added: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to meet with Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani to discuss the deep ties that bind New York and Ireland going back centuries. The weekly seniors' programme at the New York Irish Center is a chance to engage with and hear from the Irish women and men who served this city and state over many decades in a variety of sectors."

The Government of Ireland, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has allocated over $4.7 million under the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) to date in 2026 to support Irish organisations and communities in the United States. The New York Irish Center is a long-standing ESP partner and received over $200,000 this year in support of its Senior and Social Welfare Programme, as well as its Cultural Heritage Programme.

The Government of Ireland will also provide $90,000 to support the development of the James Joyce Museum at the University at Buffalo, in Western New York State, including its creative programming. The museum is expected to open in 2028.