The US Embassy in Dublin confirmed today, Tuesday, January 9, that it has purchased a site, a former hotel, in Ballsbridge, Dublin.
On Friday, December 29, 2023, the US State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) completed the Congressional Notification process to proceed with the site acquisition for a new US Embassy building in Dublin, Ireland, which will replace the current chancery.
The US State Department expects to close on the purchase of the 4.2-acre site, formerly the location of the Ballsbridge Hotel (Old Jury’s) in Dublin 4, within the next 60 days.
The US Embassy said the seller will demolish the currently vacant hotel following the closing of the purchase. Once the acquisition is complete, the design, planning, and construction process will begin.
The site, located on Pembroke Road, is not far from the current US Embassy facilities, which are on Elgin Road.
US Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin said: “As we celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland, the acquisition of a site for a new US Embassy building is a significant milestone.
"This has been a priority for me. We happily have outgrown our current historic home, and investment in a new building represents both the extraordinary U.S.-Irish bond of today and the potential tomorrow brings.
"As we continue to deepen and expand our ties on multiple levels, I hope the new embassy will become a beacon for future generations who will seek to build on the promise of a prosperous US-Irish relationship.”
OBO Director Will Moser remarked: “Acquiring this new site is a significant step forward that marks a key milestone in creating a secure and functional space that will endure for years to come.
"I look forward to seeing the vision for the new embassy come to life.”
Diplomatic activity will continue in the current embassy chancery at 42 Elgin Road, Ballsbridge, until the new Embassy is complete. This building is an architectural icon, and OBO and the US Embassy Dublin will work closely with local partners to ensure that a suitable plan for the site is developed once the embassy is relocated.
In December, the Associated Press reported that the US State Department had notified Congress that it intended to purchase the former Jury's Hotel in Dublin for $171 million and that costs, including the design and construction of the new chancery and furnishing it, will bring the total to $688.8 million.
The US State Department said the current facility “is well beyond its useful life, is too small for our operational needs, and is not functional in its layout.”
The AP added that according to the State Department's notice to Congress, the new compound in Dublin will include the Embassy, a residence for Marine guards, support facilities, and parking. It did not give an estimate for when the project would be completed but estimated that there would be 189 employees at the new embassy in 2028, at least 109 of whom would require office space.
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