IRISH ADULTS BOTH in the country and across the world will be able to renew their passports online from Thursday.

The Online Passport Application Service (OPAS) will be available on the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

The new service is only for the renewal of adult applications, first time applicants and children will have to use the current system.

In a statement the Department of Foreign Affairs said, “People can apply via the Department’s website using their PCs, tablets or mobile phones.

The service will be convenient, secure and it will offer faster and more predictable turnaround times.

The initiative is part of the passport reform programme which is modernising Ireland’s passport systems and controls.