THE demand for Irish passports from people living in Britain has exceeded demand from Northern Ireland for the first time.
New figures from Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney on behalf of Fianna Fáil’s Darragh O’Brien show there were 81,287 applications from Britain and 80,964 from NI last year.
Britain’s 323 more applications mark the first time in history that a lesser number have been made from the North – where citizens are entitled to both British and Irish passports.
"Holding an Irish passport has always given citizens unique status across the globe, and has become a well-respected symbol of free movement,” said Mr O’Brien.
"For the first time ever the number of passport applications received from Britain has exceeded the number received from the North.
"Since 2012, the number of applications for a Republic of Ireland passport from Northern Ireland has more than doubled.
"Many are now applying for a passport out of fear as opposed to requirement or necessity.
"The total number of Irish passport applications received from Northern Ireland and Britain is just over 160,000 and this is likely to have increased by the end of 2017."
The increased amount of applications for an Irish passport has been attributed to the UK's decision to leave the European Union in June 2016.
Mr O'Brien added: "Our current passport office is coming under growing pressure and the latest surge exposes the need to examine the current capacity to process these applications.
"It is probable that changes will need to be made to procedures in order to cater for this increased level of demand and I intend to explore what additional resources will be available with the foreign affairs minister."
The Irish passport was recently found to be the fifth most powerful in the world, as their holders can travel to 173 countries without a visa.
