12 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
7,500 granted Irish citizenship as ceremonies kick off
Some 7,500 people will be celebrating with a tricolour flag over the next two days as they are granted Irish citizenship.
Thousands will make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and become Irish citizens at a ceremony at the INEC Killarney. Seven ceremonies over the two days will take place, with applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties being acknowledged.
The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies is Judge Paddy McMahon and he will be joined by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and junior ministers Colm Brophy and Niall Collins. Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O'Callaghan said: 'This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship.
'For each new citizen it signifies a deep connection to Ireland, its values, and its people. Ireland welcomes our new citizens as full members of society, and their contributions will undoubtedly strengthen the fabric of our nation.
'I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society'. Minister Brophy said that migration plays 'an essential role in Ireland's development'.
He added: 'It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.'
The number of citizenship applications processed last year is significantly higher than the previous two years. In 2024, 31,000 applications were processed, which is 11,000 more than the year before and 19,000 more than 2022.
In just over two years the Citizenship Division of the Department has gone from processing around 12,000 applications a year to processing over 20,000 applications in 2023, and nearly 31,000 in 2024. The Department of Justice said processing times are decreasing, as the length of time it takes to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023 to 8 months in 2024.
Speaking before the ceremonies, Minister Collins said those that are becoming Irish citizens join 'a diverse and inclusive Ireland'. He added: 'Citizenship is not only a right but a symbol of shared responsibility and mutual trust. These new citizens now have a place in shaping the future of Ireland.
'I sincerely congratulate each of our new Irish citizens. This is a proud and memorable day for them, their families, and for the whole country.'
