Irish citizenship will be conferred on around 5,200 people during ceremonies taking place today and took place yesterday in Co Kerry.
Applicants representing 132 nations and all 32 counties of Ireland will pledge fidelity and loyalty to the State before Presiding Officer Judge Paddy McMahon at six separate ceremonies in the INEC in Killarney, reports RTE.
Since citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011, approximately 222,000 people have been granted Irish citizenship.
Over fourteen years, 216 ceremonies have taken place, with individuals from more than 180 different countries receiving certificates of naturalisation, reports RTE.
Applicants from India represent more than 20% of those attending today and tomorrow (1,188), followed by Brazil (572), Romania (462), the UK (416), Poland (382), the Philippines (271), South Africa (199), Pakistan (186), Nigeria (176) and China, including Hong Kong (154).
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said that 53% of applicants (2,785) live in Co Dublin, followed by 12% (623) in Co Cork, 9% (452) in Co Kildare and 6% (323) in Co Meath, while fewer than 0.1% (fewer than five) reside in counties Fermanagh and Tyrone, reports RTE.
Ahead of today’s ceremonies, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy congratulated Ireland’s newest citizens, saying migration “has long been woven into the fabric of Ireland’s story with 70 million people worldwide claiming a link to Irish descent”, reports RTE.
“I encourage each of our new citizens to not lose the link to their home countries but also to continue to build connections and contribute to Ireland, the place they now call home,” he added, reports RTE.
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