Opening of Temporary Consulate in Stuttgart for Ireland v Germany 2nd September 2006

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., today announced the opening of a temporary Consular Office in Stuttgart on 31 August 2006 to cater for the massive influx of Irish fans expected for the forthcoming Ireland v Germany European Championships qualifier game on Saturday 2^nd September. 

The Minister said:

“As part of this Department's ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of Irish citizens abroad, I have decided to establish a temporary Consular Office in Stuttgart.  It is estimated that upwards of 10,000 fans will be travelling to Stuttgart and it is of the utmost importance to me that Irish fans travelling to the match have access to emergency consular services if required. 

“The office will be open from Thursday 31 August to Monday 4 September and will have extended opening hours on Saturday and Sunday.  Consular officials will be able to provide citizens with replacement travel documents, and to assist in cases of arrest, accident and injury. I would encourage all Irish fans going to Stuttgart to check our website, www.dfa.ie, for details on how to contact the Consular Office, and for advice on travelling to Germany.

“We have a long-standing and well deserved reputation as being the best behaved football supporters in the world, especially in Stuttgart, which was the scene of one of Ireland's great international successes in the Euro '88 tournament.  As always, I am sure our fans will do Ireland proud, just like the Boys in Green on the pitch.”

NOTE:  The travel advice was posted on the website on Friday 18^th August.  There is a link to the Embassy Berlin website, which also provides more detailed information on traveling in Stuttgart. 

ENDS +++

21^st August 2006

Press Office