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Department says costs, which have reached €35.2m, had been based on outdated estimates

An artist’s impression of Ireland House, Tokyo

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The Department of Foreign Affairs defended the outlay, saying the initial estimates were based on outdated construction costs.