Ahead of a busy summer season, a Mayo Senator has urged parents to be aware of the delays in applying for  a first time passport.

Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers says many parents aren't aware of the long process in place to apply for a child's first passport.

A lot of the paperwork involved is still processed physically rather than digitally, meaning documents need to be posted.

Senator Chambers told Midwest Radio's Alannah Nolan more awareness needs to be drawn to the length of time it takes for a child's first time passport to be issued....