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From:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD, today marked the commencement of operations of the Consulate General of Ireland in Málaga.

The Consulate General is Ireland's newest diplomatic mission and the latest addition to Ireland's global diplomatic network under the Global Ireland programme. Led by Marylee Wall, Ireland's first Consul General in Málaga, the new Consulate General will enhance support for Irish citizens across southern Spain and strengthen Ireland's engagement with the Andalucía region.

Marking the occasion, Minister McEntee said: "I am delighted to mark the commencement of operations of Ireland's Consulate General in Málaga. This new mission represents an important investment in the welfare and support of Irish citizens in southern Spain, a region that is home to a vibrant Irish community and which welcomes millions of Irish visitors every year.

"The Consulate General will help ensure that Irish people living, working and travelling in the region have access to enhanced consular support while also creating new opportunities to deepen Ireland's political, economic and cultural connections with Andalucía. It is a practical demonstration of Ireland's commitment to strengthening our relationship with Spain and enhancing our presence overseas."

Minister Byrne said: "The establishment of an Irish Consulate General in Málaga is an important step in the continued development of our relationship with Spain and reflects the scale of Irish engagement with the region, and the importance we attach to supporting Irish citizens abroad.

"The new mission will serve as a focal point for the Irish community, strengthen connections with regional authorities and business partners, and promote Ireland's interests across southern Spain. I wish the Consul General and the team every success as they begin this important work."

In 2025, the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid provided assistance in 427 cases involving Irish citizens across Spain. This represented almost a quarter of all consular assistance cases dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade last year. The Consulate General’s operations in Málaga and across Southern Spain will add critical consular support infrastructure to Ireland’s Mission Network.

The opening also reflects a significant deepening of the ever-growing links between Ireland and Spain. As one of Ireland's closest European partners and most popular overseas destination for Irish travellers, the opening is a testament to the importance of Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Spain. The Consulate General will play an important role in providing consular assistance, supporting business and economic ties, promoting Ireland's cultural presence, and engaging with the significant Irish community living across southern Spain and the Canary Islands.

The Consulate General of Ireland in Málaga will provide consular services and assistance on a phased basis as it continues to become fully operational. Updates on the Consulate General’s functions will issue on its website and via social media channels. Full details on consular services throughout Spain is available on the website of the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid.