The City and County’s action plan for supporting the integration of Limerick’s estimated 16,000 migrants into society was launched at the Hunt Muesem Friday.
The Minister for Integration, John Curran officially launched the “Limerick City and County Integration Plan 2010-12” in which he said immigration has brought a new
dimension to the character of Limerick.
Mr. Curran called upon local level bodies to play an important role in terms of showing leadership in building linkages with local migrant and ethnic groups.
“This should be seen as an opportunity to add to the skills base and the culture of the area. Migrants have made an important and consistent contribution to this country’s economic, social and cultural life particularly in the field of medicine,” the Minister told the gathering at the Hunt Muesem Friday morning.
The plan aims to promote a “vibrant, inclusive and dynamic society in Limerick in which all residents are valued, regardless of their nationality, religion or ethnic
background”.
The plan can be viewed Here on the Limerick County Development Website. (PDF)
Eugene Quinn, Joint Chair of the Limerick Integration Working Group said Integration is a very important issue for the Mid West region.
“In the three-year period from 2010 to 2012, we hope the actions contained in the Plan will enhance the lives of all who live and work in Limerick, will challenge discrimination where it occurs and will ultimately celebrate the diversity that is now part of everyday life in the City and County.”
Limerick Mayor Kevin Kiely said it is essential that all Limerick citizens play “an active part in this country’s recovery, as outlined in the themes covered under this plan.”
“I am very impressed that this plan has identified specific actions for delivery over the lifetime of the plan and has identified the agencies responsible for the delivery of these actions. This should ensure that the plan is effective in impacting positively on the lives of migrants in the City and County, and is in line with the City Council’s own core value of Equality and Social Inclusion,” Kiely said.
The launch also featured a panel debate entitled “Integration and the Recession” which was chaired by RTE’s Cathy Halloran. Panel speakers included Justyna Cwojdzinski of the JC English Language Institute, Limerick Businessman Pat O’Sullivan, Hilario Bagalasca of the Filipino Association and Director of HSI Limerick Michael MacNamara.
