Ireland’s Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin TD released a report on the public consultation on the design of the new Irish passport book and card on Wednesday, December 20.
Over 15,000 people worldwide took part in the public consultation, giving their views on what native flora and fauna should be featured in the new passport.
The Tánaiste said: “I am delighted to release the report on the passport design public consultation. The insights provided by the public are invaluable to my department, and will guide the look of the inside of the final book when it is launched.
“We share our island with a rich array of indigenous flora and fauna and I look forward to seeing a wide range of them represented in our next passport book.
“The Irish Wolfhound, Red Squirrel, and Red Deer were the top three fauna selected, while the shamrock, gorse, and bluebell were the top flora choices.
“These choices and many more are now being developed into a final design concept which will feature in the new passport book. I encourage everyone to read the final report which is available on Ireland.ie."
Research agency Red C undertook the public consultation about the design of the Irish passport on behalf of Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs.
An "unprecedented" among of people took part which saw a total of 15,470 surveys, which were available in both English and Irish, completed from June 27, 2023, until July 13, 2023.
81% of respondents live on the island of Ireland, and 91% were Irish passport holders.
Top 10 Fauna Overall:
- Irish Wolfhound (Cú Faoil) - 77%
- Red Squirrel (Iora Rua) - 67%
- Red Deer (Fia Rua) - 67%
- Red Fox (Madra Rua) - 65%
- Irish Hare (Giorria Sléibhe Éireannach) - 64%
- Puffin (Puifín) - 54%
- Bumblebee (Bumbóg) - 49%
- Atlantic Salmon (Bradán Atlantach) - 45%
- Connemara Pony (Capaillín Chonamara) - 43%
- Barn Owl (Scréachóg Reilige) - 42%
Top 10 Flora Overall
- Shamrock (Seamróg) - 66%
- Heather (Fraoch Mór) - 54%
- Bluebell (Coinnle Corra) - 54%
- Gorse (Aiteann) - 41%
- Meadow buttercup (Fearbán Féir) - 40%
- Holly (Cuileann) - 38%
- Blackthorn (Draighean) - 38%
- Primrose (Sabhaircín) - 37%
- Western Oak (Dair Ghaelach) - 36%
- Atlantic (Irish) Ivy (Eidhneán Atlantach) - 28%
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs will bring forward the insights and integrate the findings, to the greatest extent possible, in a viable passport design.
The Department said it is in the process of procuring a vendor to design the new Irish passport.
Ireland's existing passport book is now over ten years old and to maintain the integrity of the passport, frequent redesigns and enhanced security features to passport books, passport cards, and other travel documents are recommended by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO).
The next Irish passport is expected to be introduced in late 2025.
The Tánaiste added: “With over 1 million passport applications received so far this year, 2023 was another busy year for the Passport Service.
“Looking ahead to the Christmas period and into 2024, I would remind citizens who are planning to travel to check their passport is in date, and if they need to apply for a new passport, to use Passport Online.
"Over 90 percent of citizens now use Passport Online as it is the quickest, cheapest, and most efficient way to apply for your passport.”
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