MORE than 100 Ukrainian refugees, currently living at the Radisson Hotel in Limerick, were treated to a day excursion around West Clare funded by the Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership (LEDP).
It provided a memorable day out, and welcome distraction, for the Ukrainian Refugees who have little opportunity to explore life outside the hotel.
LEDP already provides funding to Limerick-based NGO, Doras, to support its Refugee and Migrant Outreach Clinic.
The day tour included a visit to some of the region’s best known attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Caves, and the Burren.
Tour organiser Una Heaton said that it would not have been possible without the generosity of LEDP.
“It was a special day filled with laughter and joy, an emotional time for a proud people but a day to feel normal once again.”
Both as a catalyst and through direct intervention, LEDP supports activities to help people to help themselves, supporting impactful initiatives to improve community life across Limerick.
Chief executive Niall O’Callaghan said they were delighted to support the trip and bring some enjoyment to the lives of those who are living under constant worry and uncertainty.
“These people are far away from home and family, so it was an opportunity for LEDP to support a temporary return to normality for the many children and parents based at the Radisson. This builds further on our existing partnerships where we’re helping support those most vulnerable in our community.
“The three-year funding programme we have put in place with Doras is another project we are supporting to enable the integration of migrants into Limerick life.”
Doras chief executive John Lannon said they were grateful to LEDP for helping them engage with, support and empower migrant communities in Limerick.
“Through outreach work in these communities we provide information on rights and entitlements, and make referrals to other support organisations and agencies. Another vital component of the work is follow up on individual cases across a wide range of areas including immigration, social welfare, access to employment and health,” he explained.
