The number of first-time applications for Irish passports from Great Britain has risen sharply since the EU referendum with five times as many people interesting in acquiring one.

In Northern Ireland, where all citizens are entitled to an Irish passport, the number of first-time applications has more than doubled.

In the year to 30 June, the number of applications from Great Britain was 31,099 and 47,645 from Northern Ireland, according to figures issued in Ireland in response to a parliamentary question to the deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney.

This compares with 6,011 applications made from Great Britain in 2015, the year before the referendum, and 20,325 from Northern Ireland.

Historical links between the UK and Ireland have meant that Britain has an enduring place in Irish emigration annals, with children and grandchildren of Irish-born citizens entitled to an Irish passport.

Interest in acquiring Irish passports has surged since the referendum amid fears of queues at airports and the loss of a host of other rights that come with citizenship, including access to the European health insurance card (EHIC) for health cover while on holiday and the Erasmus university scheme.

The Irish government has said it will cover the EHIC and Erasmus costs for Irish citizens in Northern Ireland as part of its commitment to north-south cooperation, as outlined in the Good Friday agreement.

The figures for first-time applications for Irish passports, issued in response to a parliamentary question in Ireland. Photograph: Irish government

The figures show a steady rise since 2015, with application numbers from Great Britain jumping to 18,000 in 2016 and 31,000 the year after. This year’s figures are up 40% on 2018, when the number dropped back to 22,386.

In March, the number of overall applications for Irish passports had risen to record levels with almost a quarter of a million requests since January, putting extra strain on passport offices.

Coveney said at the time that the 230,000 applications represented a 30% increase on the same period last year.

A record 860,000 Irish passports were issued last year, with about 200,000 coming from the UK, but the number is on course to rise even higher this year.