European Union law secures EU Citizens' right to travel in the member countries freely. They can also bring their non-EU family member(s) with them in certain instances.
This page mentions that:
Permanent residence These Regulations also introduced a right of permanent residence for EEA nationals and their family members after a five-year period of uninterrupted legal residence in the State.
While this page mentions that:
Adult application based on residence for UK, EU/EEA & Swiss nationals
To apply for citizenship by naturalisation based on residence, you must prove that you have been resident in the State for at least 5 years (1825 or 1826 days) out of the last 9 years.
This includes 1 year (365 or 366 days) of continuous residence immediately before the date you apply.
Now does it mean that after 5 years of residence in Ireland, I (EU national) and my non-EU family members should apply for PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR IRISH CITIZENSHIP?
I am confused.
EDIT: Several informal sources also mention that Irish PR can be obtained after 5 years of residence (be it through employment, investment etc..). But one of the naturalization requirements is 5 years of residence. Why would one apply for PR when they can apply for Irish citizenship after 5 years of residence? Does Ireland have a concept of a PR like the UK's ILR or the American Green Card anyway? So many sources have puzzled me completely:(
DO NOTE THAT IRISH PR IS NOT A REQUIREMENT FOR NATURALIZATION. THERE IS JUST THIS CONTINUOUS 5 YEAR RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT, BESIDES OTHER THINGS.