There has been a surge in passport applications to Ireland emanating from the UK in the first half of 2017, according to new data from the Department of Foreign Affairs. 

In total, passport applications from the UK grew by c.50% to 97,000 in the first six months of 2017. Applications from Northern Ireland grew by 49%, while applications from Great Britain grew by 63%. 
 
Interestingly, the busiest day for applications was March 28th, the day before Article 50 was triggered. 
 
Looking at Great Britain specifically, there were 65,716 applications for an Irish passport in 2016. This was already up 34% on the 2015 level. Goodbody Stockbrokers have today noted that if the first half 2017 performance was to be repeated, this would represent a doubling in applications relative to the prereferendum period.
 
According to Goodbody Stockbrokers, "This is just one piece of evidence of the potential migratory effects of Brexit, but the potential impact of restrictions on EU citizens entering the UK post-2019 could be even larger. While the UK has been a popular destination for EU migrants over recent years, Ireland is likely to be seen as an alternative location."

Source: www.businessworld.ie