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New Irish passport design reflects nation, says minister
🇮🇪 Ireland /Elections & Politics

New Irish passport design reflects nation, says minister

From Irish Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Ireland has unveiled a new passport design featuring national symbols and wildlife.
  • The updated passport incorporates advanced security features and environmentally friendly inks.
  • The cost of the passport remains unchanged at €75 for adults and €25 for children.

Ireland's new passport design aims to be a "real reflection of who we are," according to Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee. The updated booklet replaces the familiar red cover with a golden harp and features hand-drawn depictions of Irish wildlife, flora, and Celtic designs throughout its pages.

It is a real reflection of who we are.

— Helen McEnteeMinister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee described the new passport design.

The design process involved a national consultation, gathering input from over 15,000 people. The new passport, which ranks as the fourth most powerful globally, grants citizens visa-free access to 186 countries. It now showcases Irish wildlife, flora, and landscapes, chosen to represent the nation.

Beyond aesthetics, the passport integrates "world-leading security technology," with several features appearing for the first time in a travel document. The Department of Foreign Affairs stated that the new production techniques and eco-friendly security inks support Ireland's sustainability goals while upholding the highest international security standards.

The fantastic artwork on our passport now is a reflection of what it is to be Irish.

— Helen McEnteeMinister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee on the new passport's design.

Minister McEntee highlighted that the passport's cost will not increase, remaining €75 for adults and €25 for children. This makes it one of the most secure and affordable passports globally. Approximately €8 million was invested in developing the security measures, though specific details were withheld to prevent fraudulent use.

The cost won’t change, so if you’re an adult applying for a passport it’s still €75 and if you’re applying for a child it’s still €25, so not only will we have one of the most secure passports on the planet, it’ll also be one of the cheapest.

— Helen McEnteeMinister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee on the passport's cost.

Artist Ailbhe Cronin was responsible for many of the landscape and animal illustrations, emphasizing the detailed research undertaken to ensure accuracy, such as the correct coloring of salmon for their seasonal migration. A sample passport featured the name "Ruairí Ó Lochlainn," with the likeness belonging to James Kearns, an executive officer at the Department, who expressed pride in being featured on the model document.

So much research went into making sure everything was done properly.

— Ailbhe CroninArtist Ailbhe Cronin on the research behind the passport's illustrations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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