US Applicants Should Be Priority for Irish Passport Services, TD Urges

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Passport Demand Remains High as Concerns Rise Over Processing Delays & Prioritization

Dublin, Ireland – Ireland’s passport office continues to navigate a surge in applications, with over 1.3 million received since 2022, sparking debate over processing times and who should be prioritized. Recent figures reveal a significant increase in demand following the easing of pandemic travel restrictions, putting strain on the system.

According to data presented by minister Simon Harris, 8,853,137 passports have been issued since the start of 2022. while this number exceeds applications received (1,157,990 in 2022, 1,036,712 in 2023, and 1,000,640 in 2024), the discrepancy is attributed to “passport bundles” (book and card) counted as single applications, and timing differences between submission date and issuance. Prior to 2020, the average annual application rate hovered around 819,933, plummeting to 499,884 during the height of pandemic lockdowns before rebounding sharply. As of July 21st of this year, over 580,000 applications have been received, with 615,543 passports issued.

The high demand has led to calls for a revised prioritization system. Paul lawless of Aontú party argues that irish citizens should take precedence over non-residents, citing reports of individuals applying for Irish passports purely as a novelty item.

“It’s natural to see a spike post-pandemic, but we need to ensure Irish families aren’t left stranded due to delays,” Lawless stated. “Those with urgent travel needs due to family emergencies should be prioritized, and residents should be ahead of those applying simply for keepsake purposes.”

The passport service faced a significant crisis in May 2022, with a backlog of 195,000 applications and wait times stretching up to 14 weeks. Minister Harris reports improvements, stating that paper applications now take approximately eight weeks to process, while most adult online renewals are issued within two working days.

However,concerns remain about consistent delays,particularly during peak travel seasons. The debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing increased demand with efficient and equitable passport processing for all applicants.

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What specific actions is the TD urging the Irish Passport Service to take regarding US applicants?

The Growing Backlog & Demand for Irish Passports

Recent calls from a member of the Dáil Éireann (TD), IrelandS parliament, are advocating for prioritized processing of Irish passport applications from US citizens. This push comes amidst ongoing delays and a significant backlog within the Irish passport Service, leaving many Irish-American applicants facing lengthy waits to obtain or renew their passports. The core argument centers on the unique historical and familial ties between the United States and Ireland, and the considerable economic contribution made by the Irish diaspora, particularly those in the US.

Why the Call for prioritization?

The TD’s proposal isn’t simply about expediting paperwork; it’s rooted in several key factors:

Historical Connection: the deep-rooted historical links between Ireland and the US, forged through generations of emigration, create a strong case for preferential treatment. Many US citizens are eligible for Irish citizenship through Irish ancestry, ofen tracing their lineage back several generations.

Economic Impact: the Irish diaspora in the US represents a significant economic force. Remittances, tourism, and investment from irish-Americans contribute substantially to the Irish economy. Streamlining passport access facilitates these economic benefits.

Increased demand: Post-Brexit, there’s been a notable surge in applications from UK citizens seeking EU citizenship through Irish descent.This, coupled wiht the usual annual demand, has overwhelmed the Passport Service.This increased demand impacts all applicants, including those from the US.

Dual Citizenship: Many Irish citizens by descent living in the US maintain dual citizenship,requiring valid Irish passports for travel and accessing certain rights within the EU.

Current Passport Processing Times: A Snapshot (August 2025)

As of August 11, 2025, the Irish Passport Service reports the following approximate processing times:

First-Time Applications (Online): 8-10 weeks

Renewals (Online): 6-8 weeks

Complex Cases/Lost Passports: 12+ weeks

These are estimates and can fluctuate depending on application volume and individual circumstances. applicants are strongly advised to check the official Department of Foreign Affairs website for the most up-to-date information. Delays are particularly acute for those applying through postal services. Online passport application is consistently faster.

What Does “Priority” Look Like? Potential Solutions

The TD’s proposal doesn’t specify how prioritization woudl be implemented, but several options are being discussed:

1. dedicated Processing Stream: establishing a separate processing stream specifically for US applicants with documented Irish ancestry.
2. Increased Staffing: Allocating additional resources to the Passport service to address the overall backlog, benefiting all applicants.
3. Appointment System Overhaul: Revising the appointment system at Irish consulates and embassies in the US to improve accessibility and reduce wait times. Currently,securing an appointment can be a significant hurdle.
4. Digitalization & Automation: Further investment in digitalizing the application process and automating routine tasks to increase efficiency.

Navigating the Irish Passport Application Process: Practical Tips for US Applicants

Irrespective of prioritization efforts, US applicants can take steps to streamline their application:

Gather Documentation Early: Collect all required documents – birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), proof of ancestry – well in advance. Ensure all documents are officially certified and translated if necessary.

Apply Online: The online application portal is generally faster and more efficient than postal applications.

Submit a Complete Application: Incomplete applications are automatically delayed. Double-check all fields and ensure all required documents are included.

Track Your Application: Utilize the online tracking system to monitor the status of your application.

Contact the Passport Service: If you experience significant delays or have questions,contact the irish Passport Service directly. Be prepared for potential wait times when contacting customer support.

* Consider Emergency Travel: If you have urgent travel needs, explore the possibility of obtaining an emergency travel document.

The Impact of Brexit on Passport Demand

The UK’s departure from the European Union has significantly increased demand for