The Irish Passport Service has issued over 775,000 passports so far this year, with forecast suggesting that over one million passports will be issued by the end of the year.
In 2023, around 950,000 passports were issued with more than 1 million application received. This followed a record year in 2022, which saw over one million passports issued by the Irish Passport Service.
According to the figures two northern counties were among the top 10 for new passport applications.
With 25,492 applications submitted, Co Antrim was fifth on the list, coming after Dublin, Cork, Galway and Kildare. Antrim was also popular for first-time child passport applications, coming third with 4,095 applications submitted.
Co Down placed eight with 18,011 applications, followed by Derry (13,902), Co Tyrone (10,353), Co Armagh (7,825).
Meanwhile Co Fermanagh had the lowest applications with only 3,216 submitted so far this year.
The Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin TD, said he was “delighted” with “the excellent work taking place” in passport offices.
According to the figures over 90% of applicants now apply using Passport Online, a service available to to all applicants, including children applying for their first passport.
He added : “With just a few months left in 2024, the Passport Service is expecting to be as busy as ever, especially as forecasts are indicating we will issue over a million passports this year.
“I would encourage anyone who is considering travel to check that their passport is in date, and if they need to renew their passport or apply for the first time, to use Passport Online. Passport Online is available to everyone and is the most cost effective way to apply for your passport.
“My department will continue to work to ensure that our services meet the needs of our citizens”.
