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Know your rights: Passport Applications

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Q.. What is the quickest way to renew my passport?
The Passport Service processes Passport Online applications as a priority. Applying online is the fastest way of getting your passport. You can renew online from anywhere in the world, as long as your previous Irish passport is no more than 5 years out of date. You do not have to verify your identity when renewing your passport using the online service. You can track the progress of your passport online. In general, adult renewals when all the information on your passport is the same as your previous passport are processed within 10 working days.
If you are renewing using a paper application form through the Post Passport provided by An Post it will take significantly longer. The current estimated turnaround time for paper applications is 8 weeks but this is not a service guarantee and you are advised not to book flights until you have your passport. This period may be extended at certain times of the year due to increased application numbers. Once you have made a paper-based application, it cannot normally be expedited and the Passport Office cannot return your supporting documents to you before the application is complete. It is important to note that if you have already submitted a paper application, you cannot apply online.
Updates on services and the latest turnaround times are available on the Passport Service's website https://www.dfa.ie/passports/
Q. My partner is applying for a Passport for the first time. Can this be done on-line?
Passport Online is open to all applicants. However, it is important to note that first time applications are complex and require additional time to process. This is because the Passport Office has to verify all documents submitted and to ensure the identity of the applicant. These applications can take approximately 20 working days to process. To apply on-line, you will need the following:
a digital photograph,
an email address
credit/debit card.
You will need access to a printer for first time applicants and applications for children.

Q. Can I apply for my passport in person at the Passport Office?
The counter service at the Passport Office is mainly designed to help people who need their passports urgently, and don’t have enough time to apply in other ways. In these cases, you should book an appointment with the Passport Office in Dublin or Cork. Applications made in person are more expensive than applying online or through Post Passport
Q. My sister is living abroad. Can she use the on-line service to renew her passport when she is outside of Ireland?
You can renew online from anywhere in the world, as long as your previous Irish passport is no more than 5 years out of date.
Q. How much does it cost to apply for a passport?
Standard 10-year, 34-page passport
Passport Online - €75 (+ €5 postage if you live outside Ireland)
Passport Express - €80 (+€9.50 fee)
In person - €95
Large 10-year 66-page passport
Passport Online – €105 ((+ €5 postage if you live outside Ireland)
Passport Express - €110 (+€9.50 fee)
In person – €125
An Post also offers a 'Family Application' option where up to 4 passport applications can be enclosed in one envelope. The additional charge for a Family Application is €16

Q. What happens if I lose my passport or it is stolen?
If you are an Irish citizen living in Ireland and you have lost your Irish passport, or it has been stolen, you must let the Passport Office know immediately and report the loss or theft to the Garda Síochána.
If you lose your passport or it is stolen abroad, you must contact the local police and request a written statement that you have reported the loss of your passport. The Passport Service will not provide you with a new travel document without a police report. In addition you must contact your nearest Irish embassy or consulate. They may be able to give you a replacement passport that will let you finish your trip or an emergency travel document that will get you home
If you are in a country where there is no Irish representation, you may contact an embassy or consulate of another EU member state. In some cases, the embassy or consulate of another EU Member State may issue you with an EU Emergency Travel Document (ETD).

Q. What happens if I need to renew my passport in an emergency?
A. In the case of an emergency situation such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member abroad, or for emergency medical treatment of the applicant, you should contact the Passport Services Customer Service Hub. The telephone number for the Customer Service Hub is 01 671 1633
In cases of genuine emergency, the duty officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs can issue an emergency travel document of limited validity. There is a charge of €110 for this out-of-hours emergency service. It is not possible for an emergency travel document to be issued to minors (except in extremely limited circumstances) or first time applicants.
For anyone needing information, advice or have an advocacy issue, you can call a member of the localCitizens Information team in Kerry on 0818 07 7860, they will be happy to assist and make an appointment if necessary. The offices are staffed from Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Alternatively you can email on tralee@citinfo.ie or log on to www.citizensinformation.ie for further information.

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Safety Concerns raised over Loo Bridge junction – again

At Monday’s meeting of Kerry County Council, Councillor Maura Healy‑Rae tabled a Motion highlighting continuing safety issues at the junction of the N22 (Kenmare Road) and the turn-off for Loo […]

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At Monday’s meeting of Kerry County Council, Councillor Maura Healy‑Rae tabled a Motion highlighting continuing safety issues at the junction of the N22 (Kenmare Road) and the turn-off for Loo Bridge near Killarney.

In her motion Cllr Healy-Rae asked the council and the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to “examine the safety of Loo Junction on the N22 and to explore the implementation of further safety measures. Notwithstanding previous measures that have taken place, accidents and collisions continue to occur at this location on a regular basis.”

The junction has been described as an “accident black-spot off the main Kerry–Cork road,” and flagged as a high-risk location for some time.

Despite the installation of advance-warning signs and flashing lights, local residents and councillors remained deeply concerned about the junction’s visibility and vehicle speeds.

In reply to the motion, a council official confirmed that the junction’s performance is being reviewed in cooperation with the TII’s Safety Section. The reply stated that further intervention measures are being planned, which will include improved junction definition and measures to promote speed reduction on the N22.

While this confirms action is under way, no firm timeline for the implementation of these additional safety measures was included in the council’s response.

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Cross-county collaboration key to building STEM skills in the South West

A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West. Representatives from […]

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A meeting in Killarney has highlighted the opportunity for greater collaboration across counties to strengthen the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) talent pipeline in the South West.

Representatives from STEM South West met with Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae, Fearghal Reidy, CEO of Kerry County Council, and Patrick Doyle, Regional Manager of the IDA, to discuss how STEM education and industry can be supported and expanded across the region.
The STEM South West Leaders Dialogue, held at the Muckross Park Hotel, focused on how the sector can continue to grow despite challenges such as skills shortages, competitiveness, and housing pressures. Participants agreed that stronger cooperation between national and local government, education, and industry is essential.
The discussion emphasised the importance of developing a long-term strategy to attract and retain skilled workers, and to support local and multinational companies operating in STEM fields. Programmes such as the Adopt a School initiative and the annual STEM South West Careers Expo were highlighted as key ways to connect schools, students, and employers.
Minister Healy-Rae said:
“It is key that all young people are given the full opportunity to reach gainful, suitable employment. From electricians to engineers, we need to educate young people on the opportunities available to them.”
Mary Good, Managing Director of Advanced Medical Services and Chair of STEM South West, said the event showed strong support for more joint action across the South West.
“Ongoing collaboration across all sectors is key,” she said. “We are inviting Kerry and Cork schools and STEM companies to take part in our Adopt a School initiative and our Careers Expo on 20 November.”
Audience members also called for greater recognition of SMEs that play a vital role in regional employment and work closely with larger international companies.
STEM South West is a not-for-profit, industry-led cluster aimed at building the region’s capacity in science, technology, engineering and maths.
For more information, visit www.stemsouthwest.ie.

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