INIS has replaced the GNIB card with a new "Irish Residence Permit". No change in procedures or fees, so they claim.
Here's the link: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/registration-updates
As usual, this change wasn't announced to either GNIB card holders or the media, and apparently went into effect on the 11th when they tossed it up on their website.