SINN Féin Councillor Sharon Duddy has said record-breaking numbers of applications reinforces the need for the Irish government to open a passport office in the North.
She was commenting after Passport Office figures revealed that over 84,000 people from the North made an application in 2018.
Said Cllr Duddy: “These record-breaking figures show that over 84,000 people in the six counties applied for Irish passports in 2018 – this is yet another annual increase.
“These figures can no longer be ignored.
“The Irish government must take the necessary steps to ensure citizens in the north are not left behind by investing in their needs.
“Staff, who do a fantastic job, are under major stress as a result of this increase and the infrastructure required to meet these increases must be invested in where demand is greatest.
“As the chaos of Brexit deepens, more and more people are claiming their right to an Irish passport and EU citizenship. It’s important that this process runs smoothly.
“It’s time for the Irish government to properly invest in the needs of Irish citizens in the six counties by opening the type of facility needed as soon as possible,” she added.
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