One in five applicants for Irish passports based in UK

One in five applicants for new passports in 2017 were made by Irish citizens in Northern Ireland or Great Britain, the Department of Foreign Affairs has revealed.

Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said while Brexit is “undoubtedly partly linked” with the increased demand, it is not the sole reason for the rise in those based in the UK seeking an Irish passport.

There has also been a significant increase in applications for Citizenship by Descent from Great Britain, Mr Coveney said.