Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, was pleased to welcome Ambassador Miyagawa Manabu, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland and his wife Mrs. Miyagawa Noriko, to his constituency office in Tuam last week, in advance of his upcoming St Patrick’s Day visit to Japan.
The meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen ties between Ireland and Japan and to discuss areas of shared interest and cooperation, particularly in transport, innovation and trade.
Key issues discussed included rail infrastructure development, potential progress on driving licence exchange arrangements, advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, the possibility of enhanced direct flight connectivity, and opportunities to grow bilateral trade links.
Minister Canney said the visit was constructive: “I was delighted to welcome Ambassador Miyagawa and his wife Noriko to Tuam ahead of my St Patrick’s Day visit to Japan. Our discussions focused on practical areas where Ireland and Japan can work more closely together – particularly in rail development, transport innovation, autonomous vehicles and trade.
Japan is a global leader in rail and transport technology, and there are clear opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration that can benefit communities across Ireland.”
During his time in Tuam, Ambassador Miyagawa expressed particular interest in the town’s newly renovated health campus and the historic Tuam railway station.
The Ambassador also visited Corrib Crafts on The Mall, where he met the Blake brothers and viewed their range of handcrafted solid wood furniture. The visit highlighted the strength of local enterprise in Tuam and the potential for expanding export opportunities for high-quality Irish products.
Minister Canney added: “It was important to showcase the innovation, craftsmanship and ambition that exists here in Tuam. From infrastructure renewal to thriving local businesses like Corrib Crafts, our town has much to offer. Strengthening international relationships creates real opportunities for regional Ireland.”
Minister Canney will travel to Korea and Japan for St Patrick’s Day engagements, where he will continue to promote Ireland’s transport, trade and investment links.
