Cricket Ireland are confident they can mount a strong case for inclusion among the game's elite Test-playing nations.
The Irish authorities last week notified the International Cricket Council of their intention to apply for full membership status.
Ireland's case is backed by the excellent performances in recent seasons of their senior side, who reached the last eight of both the 2007 World Cup and this year's World Twenty20.
"Looking at most areas of the game, I would say we stack up well by comparison to the other countries that have been elevated to full-member status in the last 20, 30 or 40 years," said Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom.
"Our playing record speaks for itself; off the pitch we have reformed our governance structures - we generate 70% of our income from outside of ICC and at junior level we are European champions at most levels.
"When we took a good look at ourselves and our structures we felt the time was right to put this forward."
Cricket Ireland have almost become victims of their own success at associate level in recent years, with the likes of Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan defecting to England to pursue Test ambitions.
Deutrom said earlier this year that Ireland were becoming frustrated by the game's "glass ceiling" and called for the ICC to identify a clear pathway for countries aspiring to reach top level.
"The ICC's response to that was they hadn't seen an application," said Deutrom.
"I think this is a response to their response.
"It was, 'Put your money where your mouth is' and apply for full membership. That's precisely what this is."
Deutrom is also encouraged the ICC are to discuss the implementation of a more formal process for applying for full membership.
That will be considered in the coming months, and a formal application could be submitted by Ireland next year.
© Press Association