The passport office is to almost double the number of its staff in the next couple of weeks as it seeks to process approximately 113,000 passport applications.
As international travel returns to some sense of normality, demand for new passports is set to increase dramatically.
The backlog exists mainly due to the numerous lockdowns the country has faced with the Level 5 lockdown at the start of 2021 meaning that thousands of people went months without receiving their new passport.
A department spokesperson said: "The number of Passport Online applications in the system is currently approximately 113,000.
"The Passport Service has been fully functioning since May 2021 with all operational staff in attendance. In addition, the Department has been actively working with the Public Appointments Service to recruit additional permanent and temporary staff for assignment to the Passport Service."
"This recruitment drive has been underway since the last quarter of 2021 and will double the number of staff in the Passport Service from June 2021 levels.
"Significant numbers of additional staff are being assigned to the Passport Service in January, February and March. The additional staff will help to reduce turnaround times and to respond to the current and anticipated high demand for first time and renewal passports in 2022.
"The Passport Service is issuing renewals of passports within the current turnaround times. The most complex applications such as first time applications take longer to process as its critical to ensure that the applicant is entitled to Irish citizenship and, in the case of children, that the consent of all guardians is obtained. This is important both for the integrity of the Irish Passport and to safeguard children."
"The Passport Service have been planning for an increase in applications in 2022. Everyone is encouraged to check that their passport is valid before they book any travel. Our Urgent Appointment Service is also available offering a same-day or 4-day service in our offices in Cork and Dublin.
"The number of Passport Online applications in the system is currently approximately 113,000. The applications can be divided as incomplete applications standing at 51,000 (where we are awaiting documentation from applicants), and 62,000 applications with the Passport Service currently processing. "
Due to the Omicron variant, contingency measures are in place at the passport office to ensure a full service for customers.
A Department spokesperson said previously: "The Passport Service is operating as normal. The contingency measures are modifications to the Urgent Appointment System in Cork and Dublin.
"Appointments are being released on a rolling basis to ensure sufficient staff resources. To date, there has been no reduction in the number of appointments available to customers."
The passport office currently offers three separate methods for renewing a passport all having different processing times.
If you need a passport asap, an urgent appointment service is available for passport renewals. This is available on Mount Street in Dublin.
Passport Online continues to be the fastest way to get a new passport. The following estimated waiting times apply to online passport applications:
Simple renewals |
10 Working Days |
Complex renewals |
15 Working Days |
First-time applicants |
40 Working Days |
You can still submit an application for a passport through your local An Post, however, it takes significantly longer than online renewals.
The estimated waiting times are:
Adult and child renewal |
8 weeks |
First time application |
8 weeks |
Lost/stolen/damaged replacement |
8 weeks |
Adult and child renewal posted from Northern Ireland |
8 weeks |
First time application posted from Northern Ireland |
8 weeks |
Lost/stolen/damaged replacement posted from Northern Ireland |
8 weeks |
