THE new Integration Plan for Limerick City and County, Integrating Limerick 2013-2016, was launched in Limerick City Hall this Tuesday, International Human Rights Day.
Launched by Limerick City and County Manager Conn Murray, it was also be addressed by the Mayor of Limerick City, Cllr. Kathleen Leddin in City Hall, the Cathaoirleach of Limerick County, Cllr. John Sheahan and Dr. Eoin Devereux, Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Limerick.
The Plan was developed by the Limerick City and County Integration Working Group (IWG) and covers the period from 2013 to 2016.
Karen McHugh, CEO of local migrant rights organisation Doras Luimní, is the Co-Chair of the IWG.
Ms McHugh explained the background to the Plan: “Since the completion of the 2010-2012 Integrating Limerick Plan we took a step back to assess where things stood. We did a thorough review of the last plan looking at what worked and what could be improved.
“We then conducted a needs analysis to identify what migrant communities, service providers, education institutions and the general public felt were significant issues around integration. This helped us to identify the barriers to integration, and through a coordinated approch from the IWG we can develop strategies to address these barriers.”
Eugene Quinn of Jesuit Refugee Services, Co-Chair of the IWG, added: “The aim of this Integration Plan 2013–16 is to work towards creating a vibrant, inclusive and truly intercultural society in Limerick in which all residents are valued, regardless of their colour, creed or culture. Over the next three years we hope the actions proposed in this plan will enhance the lives of all who live, work and study in Limerick, will challenge discrimination wherever it occurs and will celebrate the diversity that is now part of everyday life in the city and county.”
Dr. Matt Cannon, Integration Policy Officer with Doras Luimní and IWG member pointed out the significance of the launch following the recent passing of Nelson Mandela RIP: “the plan embeds the Human Rights principles which Nelson Mandela symbolised into local policymaking by promoting intercultural integration.
“The IWG does this by working together with a wide range of statutory and migrant lead organisations to promote the inclusion of all communities through integration. These principles are the basis in the new Integration Plan for Limerick City and County, Towards Intercultural Limerick: Integration Plan 2013-2016.”
A moment of silence in respect for the passing of Nelson Mandela was held to honour his commitment to human rights on International Human Rights Day.
A book of condolences was opened to the public at Doras Luimní offices and at Limerick City Hall and is available to sign at City Hall.
