Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
76. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the opening of the new passport office in Cork; the services that will be provided from that office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8193/26]
View answerThe Department is expecting the new Passport Office in Cork to open in Q4 2026. The Department cannot be more specific with regard to an opening date as the OPW are project managing the fit-out of the Passport Office, which will be located at Navigation Square in Cork City.
This new location will include a public office well-equipped to serve the needs of citizens in the region.
The Cork Passport Office will continue to provide an Urgent Appointment Service. Customers who need to have their passport renewed urgently can book an appointment at the public counter in Mount St or in Cork. The Passport Service offers a one-day or four-day renewal service in Dublin and a four-day renewal service in Cork.
The Cork office will also continue to provide consular services to citizens of the region including authentication of documents and apostille services.
The Cork office currently has over 100 staff members, the majority of whom work on processing online passport applications.
I would ask the Deputy to encourage his constituents to apply online for the quickest, cheapest and most efficient service. In particular, those who are planning to travel this year, especially families with young children who require their first passport, should apply online and in plenty of time.
The Passport Online service allows citizens to apply online for their passport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is available to 100% of all applicants globally. Currently, 96% of applicants use the Passport Online service.
