Meath residents among over 5,000 to receive their Irish citizenship
Some 290 Meath residents are among the over 5,000 people receiving their Irish citizenship at ceremonies at the Convention Centre, Dublin, yesterday and today.
Applicants from over 130 countries made a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and became Irish citizens. India accounted for the highest number of applicants, followed by the UK, Brazil, Romania, Poland, Philippines, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan and the United States, to make up the top ten.
Over six ceremonies being held over the two days, Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan is joined by Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers and Minister of State Niall Collins.
Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister O’Callaghan said: “It’s a great honour for me to attend my first citizenship ceremony as Minister for Justice.
“I know how much becoming an Irish citizen means to each and every person attending these ceremonies. I want to congratulate them, along with their family and friends who have come along to support them, on this important moment in their lives.
“Becoming a citizen means more than receiving an Irish Passport, it is about belonging, knowing that Ireland is your home and becoming truly part of our society.
“I call on all our new citizens to actively contribute to the wellbeing of our society and collectively, we can make Ireland a better place for everyone.”
Minister Collins said: “I would like to congratulate all our new Irish citizens on obtaining their Irish citizenship and it is a privilege to share this day with you, your family and your friends.
“Our new citizens are contributing to a diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing a range of skills and talents that are enhancing the capabilities of our labour market and economy.”
Minister Chambers said: “As a Minister, I know the economic value that migration brings to Ireland. I recognise the integral role that migration plays filling pivotal roles in our economy and bringing with it new ways to work and fresh thinking to overcome challenges.
“As a fellow citizen, I also know the true value to our society and culture that migration has brought - helping to enrich our towns, villages and communities and making them more diverse, vibrant and dynamic places to live, study and work.
“I am delighted to be able to participate in this celebration and I would like to wish all of our new citizens well on this new chapter in their lives.”
The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies is Judge Mary Irvine, who is conferring the attendees with Irish Citizenship. She administers the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
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.
Significant changes have been introduced in the Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice to speed up the application process for applicants, including the introduction of an online digital application, online payments, and eVetting.
As a result, processing times are now decreasing year-on-year. The length of time it takes to process an application has dropped from 15 months in 2023 to eight months in 2024.
It is expected that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, the department says it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.
Were you among the Meath residents to receive Irish citizenship? Send us your photo of the occasion if you would like us to include it in the next edition of the Meath Chronicle. Email your photo with a caption to noelle.finegan@meathchronicle.ie