Public asked to share their views on new port design

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The Government is asking people to share their views on what the design of the new Irish port book and card should be.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin invited of the public to choose aspects of Ireland’s “diverse natural environment” they would like to see in the new design.

He said that a high-quality design was “central” to maintaining the integrity of Ireland’s “next generation” port.

“The Irish port is a vital document of the Irish State, and it currently ranks fifth in the Henley Global port Index. This high ranking provides citizens with visa-free access to 189 countries,” he said.

“High quality design is central to maintaining the integrity and reputation of the Irish port.

“My department is currently working to identify the design and security aspects of the new port book.

“As part of this process, and to encourage people to connect with the next port book, I invite everyone to share their views in this short survey.

“The survey provides people with an opportunity to select aspects of Ireland’s diverse natural environment that they would like to see in the new port book and card design.”

The survey is estimated to take five minutes to complete and can be found on the gov.ie website.

The current port design, which is 10 years old, is expected to be replaced with a new one in late 2025.

Mr Martin added: “With over 557,000 ports issued so far this year, 2023 continues to be a busy year for the port Service.

“I would remind citizens who are planning to travel to check their port is in date, and if they need to apply for a new port, to use port Online.”

More than half of all online straightforward adult renewals are issued within two working days.