Ireland has issued its one-millionth passport of the year.
The Passport Service issued the landmark document today – the first time Ireland has issued over one-million passports in a calendar year.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said it makes 2022 a “record-breaking year” for the service.
“With the re-opening of international travel and the pent-up demand following the Covid pandemic, the Passport Service faced an unprecedented demand for passports,” he said.
Passport office staff. Image: Phil Behan/DFAHe said “substantial improvements have been made” after the Passport Service experienced major backlogs ahead of the summer travel season.
“With the re-opening of international travel and the pent-up demand following the Covid pandemic, the Passport Service faced an unprecedented demand for passports,” he said.
“84% of online adult renewal applications and almost half of children’s online renewal applications are currently being processed in three working days or less.”
Minister Coveney urged anyone planning on getting away next year to “check your passport now and apply early”.
The one-million passports issued over the last ten months is a significant increase on the previous record – which was the 935,000 passports issued over the full year in 2019.
Image: Department of Foreign AffairsCurrently, it takes up to 10 working days for online adult renewals, with 84% processed within three working days.
It takes up to 15 working days for child online renewals with 46% processed within three working days.
It takes 20 days for a first-time applications and eight weeks for An Post’s passport service.
