The Department of Justice’s Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) has cancelled naturalisation ceremonies scheduled for 14 and 15 April at the INEC centre in Killarney, County Kerry, citing “ongoing pressure on fuel, travel and transport services nationwide.” Invitees were notified by e-mail on 13 April and promised priority rescheduling. The decision affects approximately 3,000 applicants—many of whom have already booked accommodation and arranged time off work. ISD acknowledged the inconvenience but said that unreliable road access, limited public-transport capacity and potential fuel shortages could prevent participants from reaching the venue safely. The ceremonies are a symbolic milestone for immigrants who have completed residence and character checks and paid a €950 certification fee. Immigration lawyers warn that postponements can have knock-on effects: successful candidates cannot apply for Irish passports until after the oath, potentially delaying business travel, family reunification and EU free-movement rights. Employers with staff awaiting citizenship should factor the delay into assignment planning, especially where travel to client sites in Europe or the UK is time-sensitive. Those affected are advised to retain evidence of non-refundable travel costs; historically the Department has reimbursed reasonable expenses when ceremonies are cancelled for reasons beyond the applicant’s control. ISD said new ceremony dates would be confirmed “as soon as transport conditions stabilise.”
Source: Immigration Service Delivery
