Almost 1 million Irish passports were issued in 2019.

The Guardian reports that the figure is a new record and represents a 7% increase on 2018.

According to the government, 2019 was another “bumper year” for the country’s Passport Service.

“The award-winning Passport Online [service] expanded in 2019 to include first-time applicants in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Europe. Irish citizens including children can also renew their passports online 24/7, from anywhere in the world,” Simon Coveney, Ireland’s foreign affairs minister, said.

During peak periods, more than 5,800 applications were submitted from around the world in a single day.

Continuing the record-breaking trend, total monthly applications exceeded 100,000 in January, March, April and May.

The Guardian reports that Brexit has led to a surge in demand from Irish citizens living in England, Scotland and Wales. All citizens living in Northern Ireland are eligible for an Irish passport.

Coveney added: “The Irish passport is a valuable document and we continue to strengthen all processes to prevent fraud and maintain its integrity and security.

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