Irish passport card applicants faced months-long delivery delays, confusing online trackers, and unreturned identity documents over the summer due to production equipment upgrades and the roll-out of new security features, records released under the Freedom of Information Act show.
Department of Foreign Affairs Explains Summer Production Pause
Ireland’s passport service maintains a reputation for fast turnaround times on standard book renewals, often delivering documents in under a week. However, the travel documents suffered repeated setbacks between May and September, according to files obtained by The Journal.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that the introduction of a new passport book and card featuring “world-first security technologies” in June caused a temporary pause in card production. The department noted that notices regarding extended turnaround times were published online, and confirmed that all temporarily paused applications were cleared by early July.
Applicants Report Missed Trips and Communication Breakdowns
Citizens caught in the backlog experienced significant disruptions to their travel plans. One applicant living abroad applied for a renewal on 23 April with an expected issue date of 8 May, only to watch the online tracker stall. “My passport card has been showing as printing for about 2 weeks now. It is nigh on impossible to get through to an actual human being on the phone,” the applicant wrote on 2 June. Department records show the card was finally issued on 10 July, nearly three months after the initial application.
Another applicant who submitted paperwork ahead of a May deadline needed the card for race qualifications while their passport book was undergoing a separate visa application. Promised an estimated issue date of 20 May, they were later informed of delays stretching into late June due to equipment upgrades. That card was ultimately issued on 9 July, missing the traveler’s initial window.
Other complaints highlighted difficulties with customer service and document returns. One traveler reported that an agent terminated a telephone call after their partner raised concerns about a lack of proactive communication regarding the delays. Additional complaints focused on confusion surrounding online status updates that reverted from printing to processing, alongside worries about original driving licences held by the office.
Questions Regarding Passport Card Delays
What countries accept the Irish passport card?
The passport card can be used for travel within the European Union, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
How much does a passport card cost and what is its validity period?
The card costs €35 and is valid for five years. It is issued in addition to the traditional passport book.
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