Law « Thurles Information

New Chapter For 7,500 People Due To Be Granted Irish Citizenship.

A new chapter for over 7,500 people who will be granted Irish Citizenship at the INEC Arena, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Today and tomorrow over 7,500 people will be granted Irish citizenship at the INEC Killarney.
Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island will make a declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and become Irish citizens.

Over seven ceremonies held over two days, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Mr Jim O’Callaghan will be joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, Mr Colm Brophy, and Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, Mr 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: “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. We are proud to welcome each new citizen as valued members of our communities.”

Minister Collins said: “Those becoming Irish citizens over the next two days are joining a diverse and inclusive Ireland. 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.”

The Presiding Officer at the ceremonies over the next two days is Judge Mr Paddy McMahon, who will confer the attendees with Irish Citizenship. He will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State. The new Irish citizens will 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, 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 at the following link: https://www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/

Approval Secured To Establish New Office For EU Criminal Justice Cooperation.

Irish Cabinet approval has been secured for priority drafting of the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation Office) Bill 2025, which will establish the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office and set out its powers in line with the EU e-Evidence Regulation and Directive.

The EU e-Evidence Package allows authorities in one EU Member State to issue an order to produce electronic evidence needed for a criminal investigation to an online service provider, based in another EU Member State.

In 2018, the European Commission estimated that electronic evidence was relevant in 85% of criminal investigations and that 55% of all criminal investigations required a request by the investigating authorities to service providers across borders (i.e. based in another jurisdiction).

The e-Evidence Package will regulate this practice and apply the same rules to all online service providers across the EU, providing legal certainty and clarity for businesses and law enforcement.

The establishment of the Criminal Justice International Cooperation Office will provide a cohesive approach to digital regulation in the criminal justice space by centralising the necessary skills and expertise, and ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework based around a single regulator.

This approach is further strengthened by government approval to incorporate other international co-operation instruments, such as the European Investigation Order Directive, into the implementation of the EU e-Evidence Package.

Driver Arrested Following Garda Chase In Thurles.

Tipperary Roads Policing Unit, while carrying out Pro Active patrols in the Tipperary Central area yesterday evening, spotted occupants of a motor vehicle acting suspiciously in Thurles.

The vehicle, when requested by Gardai to halt, failed to do so, and proceeded to continue on driving dangerously when pursued.

The vehicle eventually was brought to a halt with the occupants attempting to escape on foot. Same were apprehended following pursuit by Gardaí.

The driver was later formerly arrested on suspicion of ‘Dangerous Driving’ and ‘Drug Driving’ having failed a roadside Drug Test.
A quantity of suspected Cocaine and Cannabis were also found, before the vehicle was seized, when it was discovered that the driver held no current Motor Insurance or Driving Licence.

Gardaí state that following this arrest, investigations are now continuing.

Attestation Of 120 New Gardaí Welcomed.

Further intake of Garda recruits will enter the Garda College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary next week.

The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Mr Jim O’Callaghan T.D. has welcomed the attestation of 120 new members of An Garda Síochána, at an attestation ceremony in the Garda College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary today.

The new Garda members will now be assigned by the Commissioner, to Garda Divisions throughout the country, where they will begin their careers in An Garda Síochána.

Speaking at the Garda College today, Minister O’Callaghan said: “My focus is on ensuring Ireland is a safer place for everyone. Making sure that An Garda Siochana is at full-strength is a core part of that. This Government has made a commitment, and we will recruit at least 5,000 new Gardaí over the next five years.
I am pleased that a further 170 recruits will enter the Garda College this coming Monday 9th June.”

Of the 120 attesting today, 89 are men and 31 are women.

Minister O’Callaghan added: “I want to congratulate our new Garda members as they attest from the Garda College and join their new stations across the country. Some 74 of the new Members (61.6%) will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
For each new Garda attesting today, this is a milestone that marks the beginning of a fulfilling career dedicated to protecting the community and to public service.
That strong relationship between our Gardaí and the community is not the norm in many countries and it is something we must never take for granted. I know that each one of these Gardaí will continue in this great tradition”.

Irish Deportation – Charter Flight Removes 35 People To Nigeria.

Today (Thursday June 5th) the Department of Justice announced the completion of a forced deportation operation, to Nigeria, latter officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria and most populous country in West Africa.

Deportation orders were enforced against 35 people (30 adults and 5 children) who have been removed from Ireland by charter flight. The children removed were all part of family units.

This is the third operation conducted since the recommencement of charter flights for deportations in February of this year. Access to these services has significantly increased the capacity of An Garda Síochána to enforce deportation orders and step up immigration enforcement.

Charter flights are used in addition to commercial flights and can be more appropriate in circumstances where a group of people are being removed to the same destination. These operations are conducted under a contract, signed by the State in November 2024, for the provision of charter aircraft.

Two charter flights already conducted this year have removed 71 people who were subject to deportation orders. This operation brings the number of people removed by charter flight to 106. Additionally, 54 deportation orders have been enforced on commercial flights and 23 people subject to deportation orders are confirmed to have left Ireland unescorted so far in 2025.

The latest people concerned were Nigerian nationals and the flight left Dublin Airport on Wednesday night, before landing in Lagos this Thursday morning.