Cork's new passport office to open by end of year

The new Cork passport office is set to be open and fully operational by the end of the year

Located at Navigation Square, the new office will include a modern public counter and ‘fit for purpose’ facilities providing space for members of the public who need to attend an appointment in person.

While an exact opening date for the new office has yet to be confirmed, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is expecting it to open in final quarter of 2026.

In response to a parliamentary question from Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea, minister of state in the department of foreign affairs and trade, Neale Richmond, said: “The department cannot be more specific with regard to an opening date.”

Mr Richmond said that this is because the Office of Public Works (OPW) is currently project managing the fit out of the building. Currently, the Cork passport office employs more than 100 staff, the majority engaged in processing online passport applications.

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.

Members of the public that require urgent renewals can continue to book appointments in Cork or at the Mount Street office in Dublin.