Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has advised those applying for passports to allow extra time due to the long delays on processing applications due to the influx of additional passport applications following the UK’s Brexit vote.
“I have had a number of constituents contact me in relation to delays in the processing of their passport applications, both for new passports and renewals. As such, I would advise anyone in the North County who is submitting a passport application to allow extra time for it to be processed.
“Applications made using the ‘Passport Express’ system are not currently being returned within the usual 15 day period. It would be advisable to allow 25 to 30 days for the return of a passport, and longer for new applications for those under the age of 18 and for lost passports.
“It is also of the utmost importance to ensure the application form is completed correctly, and all of the required supporting documentation is provided.
“These delays are largely a result of the increase in passport applications following the UK’s vote in favour of leaving the EU. In fact, there was a 74% increase in applications between January 2016 and January of this year.
“Over 7,000 applications for an Irish passport this January came from Northern Ireland – this is almost 4,000 more than in January 2016. A further 6,000 applications were made for Irish passports from mainland Britain this January – a 71% jump on last year.
“I would advise anyone in the North County who requires a passport within 25 working days to visit the www.PassportAppointments.ie website to book an appointment with the Passport Office directly. This is currently the only way to guarantee getting a passport within the 25 day period.”