84. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of passport applications that have been received from County Cork to date in 2026; the number of first-time applications and renewals; and the way in which these figures compare with the same period in 2025. [69309/26]

89. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the plans for a new passport office in Cork; the anticipated timeline for its opening; the additional capacity and public services that are planned; and whether urgent passport appointments will be available. [69292/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 89 together.

The Passport Service received 44,464 passport applications from County Cork between January and August 2026, comprising 9,067 first-time applications and 35,397 renewal applications.

This compares with 46,240 passport applications during the corresponding period in 2025, of which 10,300 were first-time applications and 35,940 were renewals.

In 2026 passport applications from County Cork in 2026 decreased by 1,776 applications, or 3.8%, compared with the same period in 2025. First-time applications decreased by 1,233, or 12%, while renewals decreased by 543, or 1.5%.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), in conjunction with my Department, is progressing the development of new office accommodation for the Passport Service in Cork. Any query relating to the timeline for the opening of this accommodation is a matter for the OPW.

This new passport office, which will be located at Navigation Square in Cork City, 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 on the same basis as is currently offered in Cork. Customers who need to have their passport renewed urgently can book a four day appointment at the public counter in Cork. There are currently 240 Urgent Appointment slots available each week at the Cork Passport Office.

In addition, the office will continue to offer a Digital Assist service. This service provides in-person assistance to citizens who may wish to make a Passport Online application, supporting customers to avail of the quickest and most efficient way to apply for a passport.

The Cork office will also continue to provide consular services to citizens of the region including authentication of documents and apostille services.