Liverpool City Region Mayor Leads Mission to Deepen �2bn Irish Links

LIVERPOOL City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has completed a high profile diplomatic visit to Dublin and Belfast, setting the stage for a new era of economic collaboration between:- the North West and Ireland.

With �2 billion in trade flowing between:- the North West and Ireland annually, the visit focused on securing major investment opportunities, expanding business links, and accelerating progress in green technology and innovation.

It also aligns with Mayor Rotheram's pledge to increase Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the Liverpool City Region by 25% before the end of the decade, ensuring the Region attracts world-leading companies, high-quality jobs, and long-term economic growth.

The trip also laid the groundwork for a major trade delegation in November, when Mayor Rotheram will return with business leaders to finalise trade agreements, unlock investment, and create high-value jobs on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Mayor Rotheram commented:- "Liverpool and Ireland share a history that goes back centuries; but this visit was about the future. With the right partnerships, we can build a stronger, greener, more prosperous economy on both sides of the Irish Sea. Whether it's trade, renewable energy, or digital innovation, we have so much potential to unlock together; and we're determined to make it happen."

As Ireland's 4th largest trading partner, the Liverpool City Region is uniquely positioned as the UK's gateway to Irish markets, particularly as businesses navigate Post Brexit trade. Mayor Rotheram met with Taoiseach Miche�l Martin and T�naiste Simon Harris to discuss expanding trade, attracting Irish investment into Liverpool's Freeport and Innovation Zone, and aligning on sustainability projects.

Meetings with Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain and Belfast's Lord Mayor Micky Murray focused on strengthening business and tourism links, positioning Liverpool as a key trade and logistics hub between:- the UK and Ireland.

Mayor Rotheram also met with senior leaders from Randox, FinTru, Microsoft, and IBM, some of Ireland's biggest employers in tech and life sciences, to explore new research collaborations, attract FDI, and secure joint funding in renewable energy projects.

Mayor Steve Rotheram said:- "This visit was about more than just meetings; it was about creating real opportunities. We're building bridges that will translate into jobs, investment, and economic growth. That's what devolution is all about; giving our Region the power to shape its own future."

Liverpool City Region is leading the UK in clean energy innovation, with major investments in tidal power, offshore wind, and hydrogen technology. This aligns with Ireland's ambitious sustainability goals, and discussions explored joint investment in renewable energy projects that could unlock millions in funding and create thousands of highly skilled jobs.

Beyond energy, the visit reinforced Liverpool's rapidly growing digital economy. With the City Region home to world-class research in AI, life sciences, and advanced materials, conversations with Irish tech firms focused on joint research, business partnerships, and scaling up digital infrastructure between:- the City Region and Ireland.

With �300 million of Liverpool City Region exports heading to Ireland annually, the Liverpool Freeport and Innovation Zone offer a huge opportunity for Irish businesses to establish UK operations, while also opening up new markets for Liverpool-based firms. Discussions also covered ways to reduce trade barriers, improve port connectivity, and enhance logistics.

This visit was a key step towards achieving Mayor Rotheram's commitment to increasing FDI into Liverpool City Region by 25% before the end of the decade. By strengthening ties with global investors, the Region aims to attract high-growth industries, secure new business headquarters, and create long-term economic benefits for local people.

Liverpool is often called:- "Ireland's second capital," with an estimated 75% of Liverpudlians having Irish heritage. Mayor Rotheram's visit to EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin highlighted the historic migration links between:- the 2 Regions, reinforcing Liverpool's unique position as a bridge between:- Ireland and the UK.

The Mayor said:- "Our cultural links are a huge asset; not just in tourism, but in business too. By strengthening our ties, we're not just celebrating our past but ensuring that our future destinies are intertwined too; driving economic growth on both sides of the Irish Sea. This visit marks just the beginning of a renewed era of partnership between:- Liverpool City Region and Ireland. Mayor Rotheram will return to Ireland in November 2025, leading a major business delegation to finalise trade agreements, expand investment opportunities, and create new jobs for both Regions. We've got big ambitions; and Ireland is a key partner in making them happen. Now it's time to turn these partnerships into real results."

Council seeks community solution to vacant buildings

THE future of 6 vacant properties, including:- a Victorian Chapel, is set to be decided at a meeting of Liverpool City Council's Cabinet meeting.

A report is recommending that the half dozen Council owned premises be handed over to charities and community groups operating in the City.

If agreed, the empty properties will be the latest to be added to Liverpool's Community Asset Transfer (CAT) programme.

It means that, subject to an approved, fully-costed business plan, qualifying groups will be able to take control of the buildings to deliver a range of community-based projects.

The recommended premises for phase 2 of the CAT programme are:-

Anfield Cemetery Chapel.
Garston Urban Village Hall.
Knotty Ash Community Centre.
Joseph Gibbons Day Centre, Sefton Park.
St Brendan's Church/Shrine, Old Swan.
Former Lodge Lane Library.

Liverpool's CAT programme was launched in 2022 and introduced the idea of exchanging:- 'social value' for monetary value which can be used to offset the cost of Council owned assets.

Voluntary and community organisations, social enterprises and other not-for-profits can apply to take on ownership of any of the properties under the programme on either a long term or short-term basis.

The group's business plan will then be evaluated to ensure that they offer significant social, community or environmental benefits to Liverpool residents. If the plans qualify, the Council will transfer ownership of the premises for less than its market value.

Not only will the successful groups then by able to use the premises as a hub to work from, but they can also use the commercial market value of the land to support any bids for funding or loans.

Phase 1 of the CAT programme offered a number of premises to interested groups, including:- land on Mulgrave Street, Rosebery Street, Adlam Park Sports Pavilion, and Speke Adventure Playground Centre. Talks are currently taking place between:- the Council and community-based organisations to secure new uses for the sites.

All premises have been chosen to ensure that there is a variety of land and properties up for consideration across the North and South of the city.

Subject to Cabinet approval, the Council will seek to advertise CAT Phase 2 properties in April on the Council website.

Councillor Nick Small, Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Growth and Economy, said:- "Since the start of our Community Asset Transfer programme, we've had a lot of interest from community groups and heard about some fantastic future projects. These new premises would allow us to support even more local groups, who, in turn, are making a huge difference in their neighbourhoods. Each building proposed for the second phase has so much potential but is currently sat empty and unused. By offering them to interested groups within the community, the Council will be able to save on unnecessary maintenance costs and provide charities and organisations with a space they may otherwise be unable to afford. The efforts of our third-party sector are essential in supporting the city's most vulnerable residents and giving a voice to those in need. Community transfers are a way for us to support the vital work that goes on every single day."

Liverpool Council added:- "Subject to cabinet approval, phase 2 assets will be advertised in April 2025. We will not share asset information until they are formally marketed."

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Liverpool City Region Mayor Leads Mission to Deepen �2bn Irish Links

Council seeks community solution to vacant buildings