By 1818 , high wages in North America attracted many Irish workers to become a major part of the workforce in the construction of the Erie Canal in New York State and similar projects ; they also participated in building canals in Britain , Way ( 1997 ) .
By 1818 , high wages in North America attracted many Irish workers to become a major part of the workforce in the construction of the Erie Canal in New York State and similar projects . 
 They also participated in building canals in Britain , Way ( 1997 ) .