Redevelopment of Embassy and Consulate Websites

Communicating effectively is a challenge for a Department located on a global scale and operating in multiple time zones in 80 locations around the world. Websites and digital media provide valuable communication platforms by which we connect with key audiences. 

In 2015 we completed the redevelopment of our digital infrastructure with the rollout of new websites for Ireland’s Embassies, Consulates and other diplomatic missions abroad.

Building on the successful redevelopment of the Irish Aid and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade websites, this project further expanded the digital reach of Ireland’s diplomatic network. The total number of new websites involved was 84.

Optimisation of the websites for improved accessibility and enhanced user experience were central to the redevelopment project. Strong emphasis was placed on providing local content that is relevant to the audience in each country.

The Web and Digital project team in Dublin worked in close collaboration with Embassy and Consulate staff abroad to refresh and streamline content, improve online services, integrate social media channels and deepen user experiences. The websites for Embassy Beijing and the Consulate General in Shanghai were translated into Mandarin.

Translation of other Embassies’ and Consulates’ web content into local languages and other improvements such as responsive design features for tablet and smartphone devices are planned for over the period ahead.

In addition, all new sites were built with the capacity to produce analytic reports, allowing us to track the public’s interaction with our new online presence. These reporting procedures have already highlighted significant growth of our website audiences in 2015, with almost 6 million visits recorded. Through improved capacity to track and monitor engagement with Embassies’ and Consulates’ websites, we are gaining increased understanding of our audiences abroad and a basis for more informed decision-making about our current and future digital outreach strategies.

For more information on our Web & Digital presence in 2015, see https://www.dfa.ie/annualreport/2015/facts-and-figures/web-digital-presence-2015/