U2 guitarist The Edge is among the more than 7,500 people receiving Irish citizenship during ceremonies in Killarney, Co Kerry on Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24.
Born in England to Welsh parents, 63-year-old David Howell Evans - aka 'The Edge' - has lived in Ireland since he was just a year old.
"What an amazingly joyful event for all of us, a monumental day," he told RTÉ News on Monday.
He admitted: "I'm a little tardy on the paperwork. I've been living in Ireland now since I was one years old.
"But the time is right.
"I couldn't be more proud of my country, for all that it represents and all it's doing.
"It's showing real leadership right now in the world, and it couldn't have come at a better moment for me."
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Ireland's Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration said on Monday that applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island are becoming Irish citizens this week.
As the Presiding Officer, Judge Paddy McMahon is conferring attendees with Irish Citizenship and 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, the Department said.
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“This ceremony marks an important milestone in the lives of those receiving Irish citizenship," Ireland's Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan said ahead of the ceremonies.
"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."
Colm Brophy, Minister of State with responsibility for Migration, 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 Niall Collins, Minister of State with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform and Youth Justice, added: “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 Department noted on Monday that in just over two years, its Citizenship Division 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 online here.
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