Matt Carthy
Question:137. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if she intends to open a passport office in the north [8627/26]
View answerThursday, 5 February 2026
Questions (137)
Written answers
The Passport Online service offers citizens the ability to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a user-friendly, efficient service that is available to 100% of applicants across the world. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online service. It is worth noting that just 1% of all passports issue through the public counter in Dublin.
Demand for passports from citizens resident in Northern Ireland remains steady. In 2025, 11.6% of all passports issued came from residents of Northern Ireland, with 91% of these applying through Passport Online.
In December, the Passport Service launched a new Passport Assist Service to support citizens who do not wish to use Passport Online channel and assist them to make a paper passport application. Citizens can call the dedicated Passport Assist number at +353 (0)1 613 1795 to receive a personalised paper form, along with a bespoke list of documents required, which they can post back to the Passport Service through their local post office. This all-island service has enhanced the paper application route by offering direct assistance to citizens. Further information is available at www.ireland.ie/PassportAssistService
In terms of any proposed additional passport office, there are considerable financial implications to consider. The Passport Service estimates the initial capital cost of opening an office in Northern Ireland, including purchasing and installing new printer and mailing machine, to be approximately €5.3 million. In addition, operational costs including staffing for up to 100 staff is estimated to be approximately €6.8 million per annum.
In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of passport applicants apply online and the considerable benefits of Passport Online for all of our citizens, as well as the significant cost involved, the Department is of the view that a business case cannot currently be made for establishing an additional passport office on the island of Ireland.
The Passport Service will continue to consider ways it can improve its service to all citizens regardless of where they live.