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The Biden administration is planning to invest nearly $700 million in constructing a new US Embassy in Ireland, replacing the current embassy in Dublin, and has also begun work on a new embassy complex in Saudi Arabia.

Congress received notification from the State Department about the purchase of the former ‘”Jury’s Hotel” in Dublin’s Ballsbridge neighborhood for $171 million. The total cost, including demolition, construction, and furnishing of the new chancery, is estimated at $688.8 million. The proposed site, covering 4.2 acres, is situated near the existing embassy, which is considered “outdated and inadequate” for current operational needs.

The current US embassy in Dublin (top), The new location of the US Embassy in Dublin (bottom)

The new Dublin embassy, expected to house 189 employees by 2028, will feature the main embassy building, a residence for Marine guards, support facilities, and parking. While the completion date was not specified, this relocation has been in the works for over a decade, with Irish authorities approving necessary zoning changes last year.

US Embassy plan for Saudi Arabia

Additionally, the State Department has commenced construction of a new US embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a 27.5-acre site acquired in early 2020. This project, along with the new US consulate in Jeddah and plans for another in Dhahran, represents an investment of over $1 billion.