16,800 passports issued in Kildare already this year

Kildare South Fine Gael TD and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said that all families in Kildare should check their passport expiration date before travelling and apply for renewal early.

Minister Heydon said that 16,800 passports have been issued to individuals in Kildare so far this year and anyone planning to travel in the next six months must ensure their passport is in date.

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“It’s incredible to see that 16,800 passports have been issued for Kildare already this year and overall, 600,000 have been issued across the country", Minister Heydon said.

“Anyone planning on travelling over the next few weeks should apply for their passport online and well in advance of their holiday departure date.

“The best time for citizens to check their passport’s expiry date is before booking their holiday. If you have already booked flights, it’s important to check now if your passport is in date.

“To renew or apply for a new passport use Passport Online. It’s the quickest, easiest and most cost-effective way to apply.

“I want to thank the staff at the Passport Service for all their hard work, particularly over the last few months.

“I’d also like to remind any citizens living in Ireland who need to renew their passport urgently in advance of travel that they can avail of the Urgent Appointment Service available at the Passport Offices in Dublin and Cork.

Concluding, Minister Heydon said: “When you’re booking your holidays be prepared and make sure your passport is in date. If you have any queries in relation to a passport application, feel free to contact my office.”