Irish embassy in Tokyo exceeds its initial budget by more than 12m

"Department says costs, which have reached €35.2m, had been based on outdated estimates"

"A new Irish embassy and diplomatic outpost in Tokyo has already cost the taxpayer at least €35.2m - more than €12m over its initial budget."

"The Department of Foreign Affairs defended the outlay, saying the initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs."

The new Irish embassy and diplomatic outpost in Tokyo has cost the taxpayer at least €35.2 million. That amount exceeds the initial budget by more than €12 million. The Department of Foreign Affairs said initial estimates relied on outdated construction cost figures. The Department defended the additional expenditure as a consequence of changes in the construction market since the original estimates were prepared. The overspend reflects higher building and related expenses compared with earlier projections. The additional funds have been absorbed to complete the embassy and diplomatic outpost.

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