#17102 #Goodlife. Yes I did contact the helpline initially as I knew applying overseas would mean I could not avail of any fast track option, I also contacted the British consulate to explain my concerns, although they informed me that if I did not receive my passport in time to travel I could apply on line for a emergency passport at cost of €100 they also stated that if on line proved to be an issue I could call directly to to consulate office where they would assist in issuing an emergency passport, this would not effect my original application as I had the Gov passport tracker with updates.
As the helpline extreme patients is required, I did get to talk to a very nice operator called Julie who did make some off line calls to assist, but I have seen reports that if they put a note on your application this can lead to your application going to manual route which is worrying, if desperate then call the help line be polite and ask for phone assistance as they can do this rather than rely on e-mail.