Towards Intercultural Limerick: Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2013-16 was developed by the Limerick Integration Working Group (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 new plan is available here.
The Plan was launched by Limerick City & County Manager, Conn Murray who said: “The new Plan supports a vibrant, inclusive and dynamic society in Limerick in which all residents are valued, regardless of their nationality, religion or ethnic background. Through its membership of the IWG, LimerickCity and County Council looks forward to playing a key role in progressing integration measures, celebrating diversity and enhancing social cohesion in Limerick,” added Mr. Murray.
“Since the completion of the 2010-2012 Integrating Limerick Plan, we took a step back to assess where things stood,” explained Ms. Karen McHugh, IWG Co-Chairperson and CEO of local migrant rights organisation Doras Luimní.
Ms. McHugh continued: “The members participated in a Needs Analysis exercise to ensure that we had an objective and informed view of what was working and what the outstanding issues were. Following that we took identified priority areas where we barriers to integration existed and the IWG could develop strategies and concrete actions to address these.”
One in ten Limerick residents are migrants who have come here to work, live or study. Harnessing and managing this diversity is an opportunity and a challenge for all. This 2013-16 Plan identifies specific measurable actions that address the most urgent integration needs in terms of Language, Education, Information, Access to Services, Intercultural Awareness, Support for Communities and Employment.”
The 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 and cooperation between the stakeholders.
Each year, a report has been produced to map progress in reaching the agreed aims.
Membership of the Group includes 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 Luimní (Joint Chair), Employment Services DSP, Health Service Executive, Integration Centre, Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland (Joint Chair), Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Limerick Filipino Community, Limerick Latvian Activity Centre, Limerick Volunteer Centre, New Communities Partnership, PAUL Partnership, University of Limerick and West Limerick Resources.
