Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 May 2023
36. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to detail the refurbishment works carried out at Irish Embassies based in Washington DC and London in 2022 and to date in 2023; the further refurbishment works scheduled to commence at either embassy later in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20458/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs is currently undertaking a major review of its property footprint in Washington and London. The review is anchored in the Government’s Global Ireland initiative which commits to double the scope and impact of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. The projects have been recognised as Strategic Investment Priorities under the National Development Plan 2021-2030
The aim of the review is to identify suitable premises for these key bilateral missions that will provide safe, secure and sustainable working spaces; and serve as representational assets that project a positive image of Ireland and enhance delivery of our foreign policy objectives.
As part of this exercise, assessments of existing premises - including building code compliance assessments – have been undertaken in parallel with a review of the respective commercial property markets.
This assessment identified the need for upgrade works to mechanical and electrical systems to enhance fire, health and safety compliance as well as minor repairs to the building exterior of our Embassy in Washington. These remedial works were carried out during 2022. No further major refurbishment works are currently scheduled.
No refurbishment works were carried out on the Embassy of Ireland in London during 2022 or to date in 2023. There are no refurbishment works currently scheduled to commence.
