The EU referendum is fuelling a surge in applications for Irish passports among British people.

Figures obtained by Sky News reveal a 25% increase in the number of applications being made from Britain.

A desire to remain as an EU citizen – in the event of a ‘Leave’ vote – is seen as a key factor.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny will be in Belfast today where he will urge citizens to vote to stay within the European Union.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan says there has been a big interest in Irish citizenship this year.

He said: “We’ve had an unprecedented level of applications, we’ve had in excess of 200 new staff on a temporary basis in our passport office.

“There is a heightened interest in Irish passport applications and Irish citizenship.”