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Limerick Migrant Integration Forum takes centre stage in EU INTEgreat Project

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5 months ago

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Limerick City and County Council hosted the inaugural meeting of INTEgreat, the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Dooradoyle with the Urban and Rural Community Development Department chaired by Councillor Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Setting the stage for inclusive decision-making and social integration was the focus of the inaugural meeting of the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum

Setting the stage for inclusive decision-making and social integration was the focus of the inaugural meeting of the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum
Limerick City and County Council hosted the inaugural meeting of INTEgreat, the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum in the Council Chamber at County Hall, Dooradoyle with the Urban and Rural Community Development Department chaired by Councillor Gerald Mitchell, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick. Picture: Keith Wiseman

The Forum, established by Limerick City and County Council is part of the EU INTEgreat Project. It aims to empower migrant communities to collaborate, network and represent a migrant voice towards achieving social inclusion, integration and participation in the decision-making process.

Opening the Forum’s inaugural meeting the Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell said, “We recognise the rich diversity of our population with 17% of Limerick residents born outside of Ireland. That exceeds the national average of 15%. These diverse cultural backgrounds are an invaluable asset to Limerick City and County. Let us embrace the strength that lies in our diversity.”

Limerick City and County Council work in partnership with migrant support organisation Doras to deliver EU INTEgreat projects.


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John Lannon, CEO of Doras is enthusiastic about the new initiative which is “a great opportunity for people to have their voices heard”.

He said, “The Migrant Forum is a great opportunity for people to have their voices heard and to get involved in local decision-making. Limerick is home to so many inspiring and talented leaders from migrant and refugee backgrounds, who are working to make Limerick a better place for all of us to live. The establishment of the Migrant Forum creates an important space that will help to facilitate engagement and increase diversity in leadership in Limerick.”

Local Community Development Committee Chief Officer at Limerick City and County Council, Seamus O’Connor commented, “Limerick City and County Council in conjunction with Doras is delighted to support members of the migrant communities to establish the Limerick Migrant Integration Forum. This Forum will provide an opportunity for all members to engage with various stakeholders in relation to policy development and other issues for the betterment of Limerick as whole.”

The Limerick Migrant Integration Forum aims to Give a structured voice to migrant communities, facilitate two-way communication and information exchange between local agencies and new communities, and Provide opportunities for migrant communities to influence local policy development.

Other objectives include Encouraging interaction, cooperation, and information exchange among different communities; addressing barriers, challenges, and proposing solutions for issues affecting migrant communities; and Creating a platform for learning, support, and personal experiences.

The Forum boasts over 30 members from 20 diverse backgrounds, each contributing to the Limerick’s rich culture. The logo, designed by Limerick Migrant Integration Forum member, Israel Lopez Morales, symbolises unity, with figures forming a heart within the circle representing our planet.

Find out more here.
Read more DORAS stories here.

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