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.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is also planning to hire 12 high-quality armoured cars for delegation motorcades in November 2026, when a number of summits and ministerial-level meetings will take place.

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, and are expected to cost €950,000 plus VAT.

They will be driven by members of An Garda Síochána, while vehicles in the core fleet will be driven by suitably qualified chauffeurs hired by the service provider under the terms of a separate contract worth €5.5m plus VAT.

Last week, it was reported that hospitality and silver-service catering services for government leaders and diplomats during Ireland’s presidency of the EU would cost the taxpayer at least €10m.

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The Department of Foreign Affairs has published an invitation to tender in respect of contracts for ground transport management and specialised armoured vehicles.

The contract for the provision of a core fleet and its management includes valeting and maintenance, and the provision of experienced, security cleared drivers. The contractor will also be responsible for developing a master transport plan for EU presidency events.

The EU presidency programme is expected to include at least 25 high-level events in Ireland, including a visit of the College of Commissioners, 22 informal ministerial meetings, and summits attended by heads of state, according to the tender documents.