The Department of Foreign Affairs says the passport backlog is now approximately 50,000.
It is advising only those whose travel plans are imminent to go to the passport office.
All other applicants will have their passport processed in 15-20 days.
Latest advice from the Dept on applying for a passport
* Before making any overseas travel plans, customers should check passport expiry dates and submit any applications in sufficient time before the intended date of travel.
* Photocopy the photograph page of any existing passport being renewed, include with the application form and retain the existing passport.
* The recommended method for submitting passport applications is via the Passport Express service or Royal Mail NIPX service, available through local post offices.
* Applications submitted through this service are currently being processed between 15 and 20 days of receipt.
* Projected turnaround times for the issuing of passports are regularly updated and available at www.passport.ie
* The public counters and out of hours services should only be used by those who have a necessity to travel for reasons of family emergency. i.e. travel is necessitated by the death, illness or welfare of a family member.
* All other applications should be submitted through the Passport Express channel.
* Customers should retain the barcode number on their passport application and use this number to check the status of their application on the Passport Service website: www.passport.ie This should be the primary contact point for information and the site is updated several times a day.
* Any queries on applications should be e-mailed using the contact details page on the website and should include the barcode number. These e-mails will be dealt with in order of receipt.
* Customers who have made arrangements to collect their passport, should not call to the public counter until they have confirmed on the website confirms that the relevant passport is ready for collection.
