INTEGRATION
We work in partnership with a range of other organisations to promote integration initiatives and to to keep integration on the political agenda. Anti-racism is an important part of our integration strategy, please see Anti-Racism and Hate Crime to learn more.
INTEGRATION PLANNING
The Limerick Integration Working Group (IWG) was established in 2007 to bring together bodies working with or on behalf of migrants, minorities and the wider community, and to facilitate information sharing, strategy development (see Integration Plan below) and cooperation. The IWG is chaired by the Jesuit Refugee Service.
IWG MEMBERS LIST
An Garda Síochána, Ballyhoura Development Ltd., Citizens Information Board, City Community and Voluntary Forum, Limerick City AES, County Limerick VEC, Department of Education and Science (Mid-West), Department of Social Protection, Doras, Employment Services DSP, Health Service Executive, Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland (Chair), Limerick City & County Council, Limerick Filipino Community, Limerick Latvian Activity Centre, Limerick Volunteer Centre, New Communities Partnership, PAUL Partnership, University of Limerick and West Limerick Resources.
LIMERICK INTEGRATION PLANS
Limerick is currently implementing its third integration plan, which was developed by the Limerick Integration Working Group and covers the timeframe 2018 to 2022. For more information on Limerick’s integration plans, click links below or download the reports from the side bar.
Belonging to Limerick: Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2018-2022 was developed by the IWG and launched on 28th September 2018 by Mayor of Limerick City and County Cllr James Collins, following a keynote address by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. The plan emphasises diversity advantage and the hugely positive contribution migrants bring to their new communities.
TOWARDS INTERCULTURAL LIMERICK 2013 - 2016
Towards Intercultural Limerick: Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2013-16 was developed by the IWG. Building on the progress achieved under the 2010-12 Plan, it seeks to take the next steps towards the development of Limerick as a truly welcoming, inclusive and intercultural region.
The 2013 – 2016 Integration Plan for Limerick is available here.
INTEGRATING LIMERICK 2010 - 2012
Integrating Limerick: Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2010-12 was developed by the IWG and was Limerick’s first integration strategy for the city and county.
The 2010 – 2012 Integration Plan for Limerick is available here.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports are produced by the IWG on an annual basis to monitor and map progress in implementing actions and reaching the agreed aims.
Progress report are available to download here.
INTERCULTURAL CITIES
Doras is leading the way for Limerick to become an Intercultural City as part of a European Council and European Commission funded programme. The Intercultural Cities initiative, which officially welcomed Limerick as a member in November 2014, aims at stimulating new ideas and practices concerning the integration of migrants and minorities. As part of the membership process, an evaluation was carried out in order to rank Limerick on the Intercultural Cities index, outlining key indicators of integration and intercultural practice.
Doras are working closely with other cities around the world to promote a greater awareness of the positive role diversity can play in the development of a city. More about the programme can be found at www.coe.int/interculturalcities.
VOTING & POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
Doras promote political participation among people from a migrant background in Ireland, as part of our integration efforts and to help ensure that all voices are heard in decision-making processes. In Limerick, Doras raise awareness and provide practical assistance for voter registration. We aim to raise awareness of voting rights and the political system in Ireland.
If you are resident in Ireland, you have the right to vote in Local Elections, regardless of your immigration status. If you are an Irish citizen, you can also vote in the General (national) Elections.
If you would like to register to vote in the next election, visit www.checktheregister.ie or call into the Doras office and we can help you through the process. For more information, see Voting Rights & Political System.
ANTI-RUMOURS CAMPAIGN – CHALLENGING PREJUDICE & STEREOTYPES
The Anti-Rumours campaign aims to dispel the most widespread myths and misconceptions around the topic of immigration and migrant integration, by providing evidence-based answers and utilising social networks to spread the message of the campaign far and wide.
Doras’ Anti-Rumours project was the first action of Limerick’s Intercultural Cities programme. As part of the campaign, Doras provided free training to a team of anti-rumours advocates who were given the necessary tools to carry out their own projects and workshops which challenge the most common myths.
Since Jue 2014, over 1,500 people participated in our workshops across Limerick and Ireland. For more information & resources, please view: Anti-Rumours.
ANTI-RACISM
Anti-racism is an important part of our integration strategy. Doras is an active member of the Irish Network Against Racism which is currently campaigning for the introduction of policies and legislation to combat racism and hate crime. Please see Anti-Racism and Hate Crime to learn more.
