Some 629,446 passports were issued in 2014 by the Department of Foreign Affairs - with May and June the busiest months for passport applications.

In Ireland, 25% of all applications were received during these months.

The department's offices in London and Canberra issued the greatest numbers of passports.

Some 51,412 applications were received through the London passport office, and 49,43 through the Northern Ireland service.

While other diplomatic offices that had high demand, after London, were Canberra (6,557), New York (5,352), Sydney (3,534), San Francisco (3,219) and Ottawa (2,800).

The Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has taken this opportunity to encourage citizens to check the expiry date of their passport, and to remember that many countries require incoming visitors to hold passports which are valid for at least six months.

On the seasonal surge in applications, Mr Flanagan said: "Citizens who plan to renew their passport in 2015 are advised to do so in the off-peak period to ensure the shortest renewal time."