COUNCILLORS this week welcomed a draft plan, which aims to work towards creating a vibrant, inclusive and intercultural society in Limerick in which all residents belong and are valued equally, regardless of their colour, creed or culture.
The Integration Plan 2017-2021 places an emphasis on diversity advantage and the positive contribution migrants bring to places and regions of destination.
According to Director of Services for Social Development, Seamus Hanrahan, the challenge from a policy perspective is to devise and implement strategies for integration that can tap into the potential benefits of diversity while minimising its costs.
“It is a desire and a hope for migrants to belong. People who have come from all over the world to live, to study, to work, to invest or simply to find refuge and protection,” he explained.
The Limerick Integration Working Group is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the plan.
Councillors welcomed the draft proposal in County Hall this Monday at the full monthly meeting of Limerick City and County Council.
Fianna Fáil councillor Kieran O’Hanlon pointed out that ten per cent of people living in Limerick come from another country.
“They are not just here to take from us. They make a big contribution to the economic development and cultural development of Limerick,” he said.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler took the view that there was a need for more meaningful engagement. He called for an assessment of services and greater support for the migrant community.
“We need to grow our city. We need new people to come, people who have a lot to offer our city.”
Party colleague Jerome Scanlan said that 13 to 14 per cent of the population in his electoral area of Newcastle West was made up of migrants.
“Mainly European with 850 to 900 from Northern Poland,” he added.
Moldovan-born councillor Elena Secas (Labour) also offered her full support to the plan.
“Ireland is changing. Limerick is a multicultural city. Everybody must be valued and respected equally,” she commented.
Sinn Fein councillor Seamus Browne felt it is important to acknowledge the contribution migrants have made to society.
Solidarity councillor Cian Prendiville also lent his support to the plan.
“It is a very welcome proposal but it needs to be backed up with resources and not nice words,” he added.
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