Temporary Irish consulate to open in Bordeaux for World Cup

A temporary Irish consulate will be open in Bordeaux during the Rugby World Cup, the Department of Foreign Affairs said today.

The office will offer assistance to the thousands of sports fans travelling to games in France over the next few weeks.

Staff at the Irish Embassy in Paris will be available 24 hours a day.

Officials will also be on hand to support Republic of Ireland football fans travelling to the European Championship qualifiers against Slovakia and the Czech Republic on September 8 and 12.

Dermot Ahern, Minister for foreign affairs, said: ``This will ensure that fans attending Ireland's World Cup matches in that city against Namibia and Georgia on September 9 and 15 will have access to a wide range of consular service.''

A number of events have been organised by consular staff in Paris to celebrate Ireland's participation in the World Cup.

A concert will be held in the Rugby Village in Bordeaux on September 15; naval vessel LE Eithne will visit Bordeaux on September 15 and 16; and there will be an open day at the restored Irish Embassy in Paris on September 22.

Extra consular and passport staff have been asked to travel to Bratislava and Prague for Ireland's soccer matches against Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Embassies there will also be providing 24-hour assistance.

``I am confident that the coming weeks will be hugely enjoyable and successful for players and fans alike,'' Mr Ahern said.