EMMA HEHIR went out and about to meet members of the Polish community living in the city
DESPITE national media reports to the contrary, the large Polish population in Limerick appear to be content on staying here.
A survey carried out by CPL suggested that 1,300 Poles were leaving Irish shores each week.
The survey hinted that Polish immigrants would flee our ailing economy but this is certainly not the case.
Polish immigrants living in Limerick, and interviewed by the Post, are happy and have no intention of leaving anytime soon.
Artur Mielcarek, employed at Monaleen Stores. and who has been living here for two years, said:
“I do not believe that the majority of Polish people are returning home, all my friends are still here and have no wish to return to the homeland.
“ I have just returned to Limerick from a short stay with my family and never for a moment thought about not coming back to this lovely city. The people here are great and I have a fine rapport with all our customers in Monaleen.
“I enjoy it here, I am not going to leave”.
He also advised that while there may be more jobs in Poland, the money is not good. This was something that many Poles pointed out.
Recent reports claim that the Polish economy is doing relatively well , but, Polish people in Limerick rubbished them.
They assured the Post that the Polish economy has not escaped the worldwide recession. “Things are just as bad at home,” declare Artur
Agnes Muryz, who owns Sami Swoi, a grocery store in the city, said “ I do not want to go back home, I consider Limerick to be my home now” .
Agnes did admit that there had been a slight decline in business, but, she is not worried as it is still doing very well at a time when most business are struggling to stay afloat.
The majority of Polish immigrants are clearly enjoying the Irish lifestyle.
Piotr Kucharski is in his fourth year and has settled in well. “I like the pace of life in Ireland. I travel a lot in my job and have no regrets”.
Monika, who is originally from Warsaw, said “she loves life here”.
She agreed that the recession has made life a little more difficult for her.
She feels that everything has become more expensive. However, both her and her husband are secure in their jobs and are planning to stay in Limerick for the foreseeable future.
Limerick has undoubtedly become a “home” away from home for many Polish people.
The majority commended the people of Limerick and described them as “kind and welcoming”.
The Polish community are been resilient and are not going to let the current downturn force them out of Ireland. As the Irish grumble about the recession, the Poles are certainly looking on the positive side of life.
Pictured are Artur Mielcarek and girlfriend Egita, who is from Latvia and Monika, from Warsaw.
