Irish Citizenship for Nordy

kmanson

Hi

Have been searching INIS website and web but can't seem to find the info I'm looking for, so trying the wealth of knowledge here.

I was born in Belfast in 1972 (lived there until 18). 15 years ago I moved to Galway and have been living and working there since. I still hold a UK passport but will probably change to a Irish one at next renewal.

The Electoral register classifies me as a British Citizen thus doesn't let me vote in referendum or presidential elections.

As I was born in the North before 2005, I understand that I am effectively classed as an Irish Citizen but have been unable to ascertain how I obtain this status with regards to the Electoral register. Is the only route to apply for an Irish passport? I have no need for two passports at the same time (seems like a waste of money to me) so don't plan to get one until my existing UK passport expires.

Would very much appreciate any info on how to be officially recorded as an Irish citizen.

Thanks in advance.

K

Carawaystick

Have you tried registering as an Irish citizen with the electoral register people?

Fill in a form rfa1 at a garda station
Bring a birth cert or your passport if they say you were born in Belfast.

http://www.checktheregister.ie/appforms/RFA1_English_Form.pdf

coylemj

kmanson wrote: »

The Electoral register classifies me as a British Citizen thus doesn't let me vote in referendum or presidential elections.

That's because you must have told them that you are a British citizen, the rest of us are never asked to produce evidence of Irish citizenship, they don't even ask for a DOB or a PPS number so it's based simply on which citizenship you declare - Irish, British, 'other EU' or 'non-EU'.

Being already on the register as a British citizen may complicate things when attempting to do an 'upgrade', deffo bring the birth cert.

Fred Swanson

This post has been deleted.

Peregrinus

You are an Irish citizen and have been since birth. You do not need an Irish passport, but are entitled to one if you want.

As others have said, when you first went on the register you probably identified yourself as a UK citizen (how else would they know?) and didn't mention that you were also an Irish citizen. You should be able to get this corrected by producing your birth cert.

kmanson

Thanks

Had sent an email a week or so ago to electoral dept in Galway CoCo but nothing back as yet.

Also got the form to amend electoral register but strangely doesn't mention requiring evidence or changes (eg birth cert). Guards recommended I bring form to CoCo offices with birth cert so will try that when I get a chance.

Thanks again

K

kmanson

Not sure how/when I was declared British, could be simply down to the fact I held a UK passport rather than Irish.

Hopefully can amend.

Thanks

K

maximoose

I'm in the same situation as you, sent off an email to Dublin CoCo this morning who have been quite quick in getting back to me on other register queries

Will update you if I get anything back!

Peregrinus

kmanson wrote: »

Not sure how/when I was declared British, could be simply down to the fact I held a UK passport rather than Irish.

How would they know what passport you held?

maximoose

Peregrinus wrote: »

How would they know what passport you held?

It was definitely our own fault I think, looking at the electoral registration form it's just a tick of a box when filling in.

Anyway, DCC got back to me this morning and I need to bring a copy of my birth cert into the office today to have it amended - so if you can do the same OP you should be alright.

Pity mine is in Belfast