A flagship citizenship celebration for all new citizens living in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown will be held during the county’s Social Inclusion Week on 12-19 October.
DLR County Council social inclusion officer Rebekah Fozzard tells Metro Éireann that the aim of the initiative, believed to be the first of its kind in Ireland, is to encourage the county’s newest citizens to visit County Hall, meet councillors and consider voting – and running – in next year’s local elections.
“Receiving Irish citizenship is a very important occasion and we would like to officially welcome our new residents into the county,” she adds.
The evening gathering will take place from 7pm on 15 October at County Hall, where An Cathaoirleach Carrie Smyth will highlight the “importance of citizenship and how delighted we are that people have chosen to live in our county,” says Fozzard, adding that “people may be awarded certificates” at the informal event.
While the Government’s official citizenship ceremony is a busy, quick occasion – especially those in Dublin, which attract more than 4,000 people at a time – Fozzard says Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown’s is a little different.
“The idea of our celebration is to recognise the effort, hard work and struggle it has been for many people who have come to live in our county, and to celebrate this great achievement,” she says.
“Integration is an important issue for every county and every local authority. It is a two-way process and the best way for integration to succeed is through dialogue, meetings and events like this.”
To take part in the free celebration, new citizens resident in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown are requested to contact their council’s social inclusion unit to receive an invitation.
“Everyone who has recently received Irish citizenship and who lives in the county of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is invited to attend,” says Fozzard.
The initiative is part of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Integration and Diversity Plan, and also marks the EU Year of Citizens.
