Chicago's relationship with Ireland strong as ever, Irish business leader proclaims

Ireland
A tour boat navigates the Chicago River shortly after it was dyed green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 11, 2017 in Chicago. Photo credit Scott Olson/Getty Images

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - It's St. Patrick's Day, and an Irish business leader is reflecting on Ireland's strong ties to Chicago and the U.S.

“We have an office in Chicago, and we’re delighted to operate in city,” says Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland. “We’ve seen a lot of our key clients forming and growing their businesses around Chicago. It’s an easy path for an Irish business to come somewhere that Ireland is understood.”

Chicago's Irish population has been estimated at about 200,000.

Clancy said Ireland's success in Chicago is also being seen across the U.S. Ireland is now the ninth-largest provider of U.S. foreign direct investment.

“The Irish people feel welcome and welcomed in the United States. I think that’s the current state, and it has been for a very long time. We’re very privileged to have that kind of relationship with the U.S. and to have that friendship,” Clancy adds.

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Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images