400 people living in Kildare to become Irish citizens this week
Kildare has one of the highest numbers of citizenship applicants outside Dublin
Nearly 400 people living in Co Kildare are set to become Irish citizens as part of a series of citizenship ceremonies taking place in Killarney this week.
A total of 4,600 applicants from 139 countries have been invited to attend five ceremonies at the Gleneagle Arena over Monday and Tuesday, where they will officially receive Irish citizenship.
Figures released by the Department of Justice show that 394 applicants are from Co Kildare, giving the county one of the highest representation levels outside Dublin.
Only Dublin, with 2,378 applicants, and Cork, with 484, have more residents attending the ceremonies.
During the events, applicants will make a Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State before being conferred with Irish citizenship by presiding officer Judge Paddy McMahon.
Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Colm Brophy, said citizenship brings both opportunities and responsibilities.
“Irish citizenship is about freedom – freedom to participate fully in society, to vote, to shape the future of your community, to raise your family with security and belonging,” he said.
“It is also about responsibility, it is about respecting the rule of law, contributing to the common good and standing up for the values that underpin our Republic.”
Minister of State Niall Collins said becoming a citizen reflects “a shared commitment to the future we are creating together”.
The largest groups of new citizens come from India, Brazil, Romania, the United Kingdom and Poland.
Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011. Since then, approximately 230,000 people, including minors, have received Irish citizenship. Following this week's ceremonies, a further 4,600 people will be added to that total, including almost 400 residents from Co Kildare.A total of 4,600 applicants from 139 countries have been invited to attend five ceremonies at the Gleneagle Arena over Monday and Tuesday, where they will officially receive Irish citizenship.