Wexford chosen for new consul position

The Embassy of France in Ireland has announced the creation of a new consular agency of France, based in Wexford, with jurisdiction over counties Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Laois – a region historically, culturally and geographically close to France. The new French honorary consul will provide assistance to French people and save applicants from having to travel to the French embassy in Dublin for some administrative processes. This important announcement was made by Mr Vincent Guérend, French Ambassador to Ireland, on a visit to Co. Wexford on 30th January 2023, taking in Ferns, Kilrane, Wexford Arts Centre and the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig. This was the ambassador’s fifth visit to Co. Wexford since his appointment by the President of the French Republic, Mr. Emmanuel Macron, on 23 September 2020.

Since 1st January 2021, France has become Ireland’s closest EU neighbour, and a particularly fruitful partnership with Wexford and the surrounding counties has been developing. Not only are there two well-established French companies (Danone and Servier) in this particular region, but also approximately 650 French citizens living here, and thousands of French tourists visiting this region each year thanks to frequent maritime connections (Port of Rosslare –

Dunkirk, Le Havre, Cherbourg) which have grown from a dozen or so scheduled services every week to now almost 50 per week.

The new honorary Consul will be appointed this year and according to the ambassador he/she will have three main functions: To assist French citizens living in this region, to promote cultural and other ties, and to promote economic growth. The work of the new honorary consul agency will also enhance the profile of France in the South East region of Ireland and further the development of bilateral relations.

The appointment of an Honorary Consul in Wexford is particularly timely in 2023, the 225th anniversary of the French landing in Co. Mayo, led by General Hum- bert on 22nd of August 1798. Many of the important events of 1798 took place in Co. Wexford so we can expect a number of events to take place here during the year to celebrate the historical and cultural links between both countries. n