More than 500,000 passports have already been issued by the Passport Service this year.

The Department of Foreign Affairs say applications are up an average of 10% over the same period last year.

It also says online renewals, which were available since the end of March, are "well ahead" of target.

Online renewals now account for almost 17% of all applications.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney says processing time has also improved.

"The target turnaround time for online renewal is ten working days plus postage.

"In actual fact, 90% of online applications are currently being processed within just five working days.

"The online renewal service is, therefore, a prime example of innovation driving excellence in the delivery of services to Irish citizens.

The minister says the Passport Service is also meeting the target turnaround time of 15 working days for Passport Express renewals, despite "extremely" high volumes.