Funny thing. I've been also spreading my case to every possible position possible. The embassy in Berlin told me the following.
I was asking back in the day if the 4 weeks time frame is manageable realisticly. So everything that helps I'd say.
Dear xxx,
it is four weeks. However, the four weeks start when we have received all the required documents rather than when you first issue the application.
Best wishes,
Xxx
Mit freundlichen Grüßen/Kind regards
Visumabteilung/Visa Section
Botschaft von Irland/Embassy of Ireland
Jägerstr. 51, 10117 Berlin
http://www.embassyofireland.de/