More than 130 people in Westmeath become Irish citizens

More than 130 people with addresses in Westmeath became Irish citizens this week at citizenship ceremonies held in Dublin.

Six ceremonies took place on Monday and Tuesday in the Convention Centre in Dublin, resulting in 6,000 people becoming citizens of the country.

People from 131 countries around the world received their citizenship over the two days, including 131 Westmeath residents, 41 Roscommon residents, 57 Longford residents and 46 Offaly residents.

The top countries of origin of those conferred with Irish citizenship this week were: India (1,115), Brazil (425), Philippines (366), United Kingdom (349) and Nigeria (301).

Justice Minister Helen McEntee attended the ceremonies on Monday and Minister of State James Browne attended on Tuesday.

"Our new citizens enrich Ireland with their presence and our society reaps the benefits which they bring," said Minister McEntee.

The citizenship ceremonies this week follow ceremonies held in the RDS in March, Killarney in July and the Convention Centre in October.

More than 18,000 people have been conferred with Irish citizenship this year.