13/04/2026
The cancellation of citizenship ceremonies in Killarney this Tuesday and Wednesday, due to concerns over fuel price road blockades, will cost the town an estimated €1.5 million, local hoteliers estimate.
Ceremonies that had been planned for the Gleneagle Arena, were due to seen 4,700 people conferred with Irish citizenship and, with families and friends included, an influx of 12,000 had been expected.
It would have been a major boost for local hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and pubs at a normally quiet time of the year.
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has said that the cancellation was decided due to ongoing pressure on fuel, travel and transport services nationwide and the length of time it could take filling stations to refuel.
The department said a new date would be arranged, possibly in June.
“A communication has issued to those due to attend and the Department will confirm a new date shortly,” a spokesperson said.
The Kerry branch of the Irish Hotels Federation said it would be very difficult to reallocate the rooms due to the late cancellation and that the month of June - when the ceremonies are now likely to be held - is traditionally a busy time anyway.
