Relocating as current HQ at max capacity

12:00, 06 Feb 2026Updated 12:06, 06 Feb 2026

The Irish Passport Office on South Mall(Image: Google)

A New passport Office is coming to Cork city, a TD has confirmed – and is set to be fully operational by the end of 2026.

The new Passport Office will be located at Navigation Square and will include a modern public counter and “fit-for-purpose facilities,” with the Office of Public Works (OPW) currently project-managing the fit-out of the building. Cork North West TD John Paul O’Shea said that the new Office represents a “major investment in public services for the region.”

The relocation of the Passport Office from its current site on South Mall was confirmed by Tánaiste Simon Harris last June. The existing office is operating at maximum capacity with 117 staff – and won’t be able to employ more until it makes the move to the Navigation Square site. The completion of the new office is expected by Q4 this year.

Deputy O’Shea said: “The new location will enhance working capacity while providing a welcoming, accessible space for members of the public who need to attend in person.

“The Cork Passport Office will continue to provide its Urgent Appointment Service, including a four-day renewal service, as well as essential consular services such as document authentication and apostille services. Citizens who require urgent renewals can continue to book appointments in Cork or at the Mount Street office in Dublin, where one-day and four-day services are available.”

The TD also encouraged constituents, particularly those planning to travel this year and families applying for a child’s first passport, to apply online and well in advance to ensure a “smooth and stress-free process.”

“The opening of this new Passport Office highlights Cork’s growing role as a centre for public service delivery. It will strengthen regional access to essential State services and ensure citizens across Munster continue to receive a high-quality, efficient passport and consular service well into the future.”

Also at Navigation Square, global comms firm Motorola this morning announced the opening of its Global Research and Development Centre, and has hired nearly 200 employees based at the location.

The confirmation by the Tánaiste of expanded operations in Cork, which has had a Passport Office since 1987, came as the Irish passport was rated the ‘strongest in the world.’