Passport pressure...Travellers urged to get their applications submitted in plenty of time before they travel

With an estimated 1.5 million passports applications expected by the Department of Foreign Affairs this year, Cllr Damien O’Reilly is encouraging those who need new passports for travel to apply for them in plenty of time.

“I would encourage families who have children who are first-time applicants, to apply now online and only use 24/7 Garda stations (Ashbourne, Kells, Navan, and Trim) to sign and stamp required documentation”.

He points out that nearly all Irish citizens can apply online by taking a picture on a mobile phone against a white background. The turnaround time for simple renewals is two to ten working days, complex renewals will take 15 working days and first-time applicants, up to 40 working days.

“An urgent appointment service is also available at passport offices in Cork and Dublin, offering same day renewal and appointments can be booked three days in advance. A four-day renewal service can be booked three weeks in advance,” he said.