Ireland is expected to spend €5.5 million on a fleet of chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles for visiting VIPs during its six-month EU presidency next year, along with a further €1 million on armoured cars for heads of delegations.
A core fleet comprising 40 executive cars and 44 executive minivans will be required for officials and representatives attending high-level events from next July, with around 75% of those events anticipated to take place in Dublin, reports Breaking News.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is also planning to hire 12 high-specification armoured vehicles for delegation motorcades in November 2026, when a series of summits and ministerial-level meetings are scheduled.
According to tender documents, the armoured fleet may include specially adapted executive saloons such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and is expected to cost €950,000 plus VAT, reports Breaking News.
These armoured vehicles will be driven by members of An Garda Síochána, while the core fleet vehicles will be operated by appropriately qualified chauffeurs employed by a service provider under a separate contract valued at €5.5 million plus VAT.
It was reported last week that hospitality and silver-service catering for government leaders and diplomats during Ireland’s EU presidency would cost the taxpayer at least €10 million, reports Breaking News.
The Department of Foreign Affairs published an invitation to tender earlier on Wednesday for contracts covering ground transport management and the supply of specialised armoured vehicles.
The contract for the provision and management of the core fleet includes vehicle valeting and maintenance, as well as the supply of experienced, security-cleared drivers. The contractor will also be responsible for developing a master transport plan for EU presidency events, reports Breaking News.
Alongside the core fleet of 40 executive cars and 44 executive minivans, the service provider may also be required to source additional vehicles, including chauffeured executive coaches and armoured executive cars.
The EU presidency programme is expected to involve at least 25 high-level events in Ireland, including a visit by the College of Commissioners, 22 informal ministerial meetings and summits attended by heads of state, according to the tender documentation, reports Breaking News.
The department is tasked with providing ground transport for delegates, media and support staff, with certain vehicles potentially escorted by Garda outriders.
The value of the tender does not include the provision of a secure storage facility for the hired vehicles. A site located approximately 15km from Dublin Airport has been identified for this purpose, reports Breaking News.
The tender states that the armoured vehicles will be required to transport heads of delegations as part of protected motorcades for certain presidency events between 8 November and 16 November, reports Breaking News.
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