State to spend €6.5m on luxury and armoured cars during Ireland's six-month EU presidency

The armoured vehicles may include specially adapted executive saloons, including the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, or Mercedes-Benz S Class, according to tender documents. File photo

Ireland is set to spend €5.5 million on a fleet of chauffeur-driven luxury vehicles for visiting VIPs during the country’s six-month presidency of the EU next year, as well as another €1m on armoured cars for the heads of delegations.

A core fleet of 40 executive cars and 44 executive mini-vans will be required for officials and representatives attending high-level events from next July, 75% of which are expected to be held in Dublin.