SAFE card for Social Welfare payments

Has anyone else received an appointment to attend Social Welfare to register for a new SAFE card. We only get childrens allowance but apparently I am obligated to show up to this appointment which is really difficult as the office is not particularly convenient and will require a half day off work.

Yes. I got one and was unable to make the first appointment. Had a letter within 48 hours and another appointment and a reminder that the Child Benefit payments may be suspended if I did not show for the second one.
Went to the second appointment and it was extremely efficient - done and dusted in 30 mins and card in the post 2 days later.
Call DSP and see if you can go to a location more convenient to you.