End Direct Provision Limerick (EDPL) is a local community group that has formed to campaign for an end to the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers in Ireland.
The group is comprised of residents of the four Direct Provision centres in the Limerick region along with concerned individuals, activists, academics in Limerick.
Background
Following the peaceful protests in Mount Trenchard, Foynes, over inhumane living conditions and the degrading system of Direct Provision more broadly, as well as the subsequent removal and transfer of residents to other centres nationwide, a day of action was held in Limerick city centre on 22nd August 2014.
After the expression of wide public interest, a public meeting was held in September in Limerick city centre to discuss how best to support asylum seekers, and to call for the closure of Mount Trenchard as a first step in the campaign to end Direct Provision.
Campaign activities
The Committee meets every two weeks to discuss and progress the campaign. The End Direct Provision Limerick information table in the city centre aims to increase public awareness locally, while a direct support community group have formed in Foynes, Co. Limerick. Research projects and lobbying locally are also aspects of the work that are being carried out by the group.
In March 2015, EDPL will support a motion to end Direct Provision in the Limerick City and County Council. In the interim, the group will host an information session in Limerick City Hall on 9th March to further inform local Councillors on the key issues of concern in advance of the motion, and will use their St. Patricks Day Parade contribution to share further information with the wider public.
You can read more about the work of the EDPL group at www.enddirectprovisionlimerick.org and on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/EndDPLimerick.
