The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations has a site acquisition plan in the works for a new U.S. embassy building in Dublin to replace the current site.
The State Department expects to purchase the 4.2-acre site, formerly the location of the Ballsbridge Hotel or the Old Jury’s in Dublin 4, within the next sixty days.
U.S. 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 U.S. 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 U.S.-Irish relationship.”
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.
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 U.S. Embassy Dublin will work closely with local partners to ensure that a suitable plan for the site is developed once the embassy is relocated.
