More than 100 Clare residents become Irish citizens following latest ceremony in Killarney

A total of 123 applicants residing in Clare have officially become Irish citizens after taking part in citizenship ceremonies at the INEC in Killarney. 

Held across two days on June 23 and 24, seven ceremonies took place in total, where 7,500 applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties made a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State, becoming Irish citizens.

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan was joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy and Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Niall Collins.

Minister Brophy said: “I congratulate our newest citizens and wish each of them well as they begin this new part of their lives.  Migration plays an essential role in Ireland’s development. It strengthens our economy, enriches our cultural diversity, and deepens our sense of solidarity."

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"We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities," he added.

Minister Collins commented: "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," he concluded. 

Judge Paddy McMahon conferred the attendees with Irish Citizenship and administered the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens have promised 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 nearly 31,000 in 2024. 

Significant changes have been introduced in the Citizenship Division of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration 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 8 months in 2024.

It is expected that going forward, the vast majority of applicants will continue to receive a decision within one year, however, it is important to note that no two naturalisation applications are the same and some take longer than others to process.

More information on the application process is available here.