BRITISH BIDS TO BE IRISH UP 22%

Record rise in passport applications due to Brexit

BRITISH applications for Irish passports shot up 22% this year in what was a record-breaking 12 months for the Passport Service.

And the surge is predicted to continue in 2019 with the fallout from Brexit set to boost numbers from the UK again.

Out of the total number of applications received this year by the Passport Service, 84,855 were from the North and 98,544 were from Great Britain.

These figures represent an increase of 2% and 22% respectively.

The online service continues to grow in popularity and it was expanded in November to allow parents to renew passports for their children online.

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said: “The success of the online passport renewal service was recognised during the year at the CX Impact Awards, where it won the ‘Impact in digital’ award.

“It was ranked as the top Irish public sector organisation in terms of customer experience for the third year in a row.

“It is important the Passport Service continues to use technology in order to gain efficiencies and deliver the best possible service to the citizen. This expanded service is an example of that, and will permit all citizens, both adults and children, to renew their passports online, 24/7, from anywhere in the world.”

Black market sales of Irish passports are still a problem and the minister wants the public to play their part in the clampdown on the sale of stolen passports.

Mr Coveney said: “The Irish pass-port is a valuable document. “I strongly encourage all citizens to take due care with their passport at home and when travelling.”