Local authorities in Galway have no migrant integration plan, it has been revealed.
Today’s Immigrant Council of Ireland report shows that Galway County Council‘s Integration and Diversity strategy expired last year.
Just three councils across the state currently have integration strategies: Dublin City, Kildare and Carlow.
Minister of State for Local Government and Electoral Reform, John Paul Phelan TD, who provided a foreword to today’s report, said: “The National Migrant Integration Strategy calls for Local Authorities to update their Local Integration Strategies.
“The practical recommendations in this document will be particularly helpful and I strongly encourage Local Authorities to adopt them as part of a living action plan to help communities become friendlier, more welcoming and ultimately more inclusive places for migrants living in Ireland.”
Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland said: “Despite approx. one in eight people in Ireland coming from a migrant background we have yet to see local and national government take the necessary steps to prioritise integration activities.
“Resourcing pro-active, positive measures will strengthen communities and build cohesion in Irish society.
“People live their lives in their communities – it’s where they live, work, go to school, meet up and join groups. It makes sense therefore for integration plans to start here.
“However our new report has found only three Local Authorities around the country have an in-date integration strategy. This is despite the fact it’s one of the key recommendations in the Government’s integration policy document.”
