New guide aims to help integration in Dublin

DUBLIN’S four local authorities have launched a new guide aimed at assisting county councils with the integration of migrants.

The practical guide is the result of three year’s work by Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council and almost 100 ethnic minority groups.

Officials say the guide will strengthen the four councils’ commitment to integration through a series of practical, hands-on actions that will see migrant communities work more closely with local authorities.

‘A Practical Guide to Assisting Integration for Local Authorities’ was launched by Dublin MEP, Emer Costello, who says new communities make an important contribution to the city’s creativity, vitality and prosperity.

“International populations within cities help connect local economies to the global,

? Ms Costello said.

“They provide the linguistic, cultural and emotional bridge that helps develop economic opportunities in other national marketplaces.

?

One of the most successful integration initiatives developed in Dublin over the past three years has been the creation of Intercultural Liaison Volunteers in Dublin housing estates where persistent problems associated with racism arise.

The volunteers have acted as a bridge between new communities and housing departments, identifying potential conflict situations within estates which had led to improved relations between communities and local authorities.

Issah Huseini of New Communities Partnership – an independent national network of immigrant led groups – says initiatives like this will help with integration.

“Learning from the past, we know that we all have to plan for the future,

? he added.

“New communities are now consistently consulted and the Integration Forums are now the migrant voice around the table in Fingal, Dublin City, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and South Dublin county councils.

?

Maria Finn, Social Inclusion Officer with South Dublin County Council believes the new guide will contribute to more inclusive communities in Dublin.

“Our investment allows us to work towards an integrated society by helping create the conditions for everyone to play a full part in our local and community life,

? she said.

“Our county is stronger by far when each of us, whatever our background has a chance to contribute.

?

The production of A Practical Guide to Assisting Integration for Local Authorities was supported under a project designed to promote civic participation of third country nationals through local authority platforms.

The project is led by New Communities Partnership and supported by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council.