Thanks! And, I have just minute heard back from them (Foreign.LONDON@dfa.ie) - took bit longer than 48 hours, but someone's the other end! They say that my application is at the advanced stage of processing, and this has taken six months, with no queries to date.

What contact details did you use to send the query? I'm not getting any response. It's been 6 months without any acknowledgement.

Hi, What email address did you use in contacting the Embassy in London? I applied online, paid and personally handed all docs etc. to Embassy Reception last November - so far nothing. Tried contacting via the online form on Embassy website to find out progress, quoting application number and details...