A NUMBER of groups in Limerick are to receive funding to help integrate International Protection (IP) applicants.
This comes as over €1.2million of funding was announced nationwide by the Government to help provide extra services to help IP applicants integrate into Irish society.
Seven Limerick projects, along with a number of nationwide ones, will each receive funding worth up to €20,00.
ADAPT Domestic Abuse Services, who work across Limerick and Clare, have been awarded just over €6,000 to improve psychosocial support for female IP applicants.
The Africa Solidarity Centre was awarded the maximum €20,000 to provide legal information to IP applicants on the asylum process and host activities to support their integration.
Limerick-based charity Doras was awarded €19,480 to provide blended online and in-person language courses, while Garryowen Community Development Project was also awarded over €19,000 to support the integration of children through learning and language development.
The Jesuit Refugee Service, operating in Limerick, was awarded €20,000 for their Day One project, while Limerick Youth Service was awarded the maximum €20,000 for their Lava Javas Diversity and Youth Group.
The Mid West Migrant Community Network was allocated €20,000 for a Migrant Women Health and Wellbeing initiative.
The Northside Family Resource Centre was allocated €20,000 for its Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre Children’s Integration Project.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State for Community Development, Integration, and Charities, Joe O’Brien said: “The International Protection Integration Fund is a significant tool to assist civil society organisations with their invaluable work on helping to integrate people who come to Ireland seeking international protection.”
“The importance of this work with people who are at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives is crucial and every day we see the positive impact that civil society organisations make in helping to foster diverse and vibrant communities whilst supporting individuals.
“I am delighted to be able to award funding to 70 different projects across Ireland for the development of such vital work,” the Minister concluded.
