Ireland’s prime minister, Micheál Martin, is expected to highlight roughly $6.1 billion in planned investments in the United States during a visit to the White House next week, underscoring growing economic ties between Irish companies and the American market.

Martin, known in Ireland as the Taoiseach, will travel to Washington for the annual St. Patrick’s Day events, a long-standing diplomatic tradition that includes meetings with U.S. leaders and the presentation of a ceremonial bowl of shamrocks to the American president. The visit has historically served as an opportunity for Irish leaders to strengthen economic and political relations with the United States.

During the trip, Irish officials are expected to point to billions of dollars in new or expanded investments by Irish-based companies in U.S. projects spanning manufacturing, construction, and data center infrastructure.

Packaging company Smurfit Westrock is expected to account for the largest share, planning about $5 billion in investments over the next five years. Building materials and insulation manufacturer Kingspan is reportedly preparing a $1 billion commitment, while nutrition company Glanbia is expected to add approximately $100 million in new investment.

Irish firms are also increasing their involvement in the rapidly growing U.S. data center industry, which has expanded significantly as technology companies build infrastructure to support cloud computing and artificial intelligence systems.

Companies including CEL Critical Power, H&MV Engineering, and Midland Steel have expanded projects connected to electrical systems, construction technology, and power infrastructure used in large-scale American data centers, including facilities tied to major technology companies.

“White House spokesman Kush Desai said foreign leaders increasingly arrive in Washington prepared to discuss trade and investment opportunities in the U.S. economy.

“World leaders used to come to the White House and walk away with billions in taxpayer-funded freebies,” Desai said. “Now they’re bringing trade and investment deals — because they know President Trump means business and that America under his leadership is the hottest country in the world.”

The visit also comes amid broader diplomatic tensions between the Trump administration and some European governments over issues such as trade and migration policy. Trump has previously criticized the European Union and has argued that certain countries benefit disproportionately from economic relationships with the United States, particularly in sectors like pharmaceuticals.

At home in Ireland, some political figures have questioned whether the ceremonial aspects of the visit should proceed, given recent U.S. military action involving Iran.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik has urged Martin to reconsider presenting the traditional bowl of shamrocks during the White House ceremony.

Despite those debates, Irish officials say the planned investments demonstrate the strength of the long-standing economic relationship between the United States and Ireland.