Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, today announced that Ireland’s Passport Service issued over 1 million passports in 2024, marking a historic milestone in its centenary year. This achievement marks the second time in the history of the State that the Passport Service has surpassed this remarkable figure.
With demand for passports continuing to surge, forecasts for 2025 predict that approximately 940,000 passports will be issued, underscoring the ongoing need for efficient and accessible services for Irish citizens at home and abroad.
A Historic Year for the Passport Service
Reflecting on the Passport Service’s exceptional performance in 2024, Minister Martin highlighted the service’s ability to handle unprecedented volumes of applications, even during peak periods. “In its 100th year, the Passport Service managed an extraordinary volume of applications, delivering over 1 million passport books and cards. January proved to be the busiest month, with over 123,000 applications submitted. The 28th of January was the busiest day of the year, with 8,363 applications received in just 24 hours,” said Martin.
Despite the significant demand, the Passport Service was able to maintain consistently high levels of service delivery. The Tánaiste praised the department’s performance in meeting or exceeding turnaround times for nearly all application types, a testament to the efficiency, professionalism, and dedication of the Passport Service team.
Customer Service Excellence
Martin also acknowledged the stellar performance of the Customer Service Hub, which handled over 561,000 queries from Irish citizens in 2024. “The Customer Service Hub has been exceptional, answering every call with care and efficiency. This dedication has earned the Passport Service the Government and Public Sector Customer Experience (CX) Award at the CX Impact Awards — a recognition that reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire team,” he added.
Acknowledging the Hard Work of Passport Service Staff
The Tánaiste extended his gratitude to the Passport Service staff, whose professionalism and commitment ensured the secure and efficient processing of passport applications across the globe. “This level of achievement would not be possible without the dedication, professionalism, and diligence of the Passport Service staff. They have ensured a seamless and secure service for Irish citizens, and I want to extend my sincere thanks for their continued hard work,” Martin stated.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Passport Service gears up for another busy year, the Tánaiste encouraged Irish citizens to plan ahead for their travel needs. “Next year is set to be another busy year for the Passport Service. I urge anyone planning to travel to check their passport’s expiry date now. If you need to renew or apply for a new passport, I strongly recommend using Passport Online — the quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective way to secure your passport,” Martin advised.
The Passport Online service continues to be the preferred method for applying or renewing a passport, offering citizens a convenient and efficient process to meet their travel needs.
A Record-Breaking Service
The 1 million passports issued in 2024 underscore the ongoing global mobility of Irish citizens and the Passport Service’s crucial role in facilitating this. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or family visits, Irish citizens continue to rely on a service that ensures their journeys are supported by timely and reliable documentation.