DUBLIN has declared itself a ‘Welcoming City’.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Mícheál MacDonncha, said the capital is now a place where those from all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds will have the opportunity to contribute to every aspect of city life.
“Inclusive communities become more prosperous by making everyone feel like they belong,” the Lord Mayor said.
“We in Dublin City Council are committed to developing the city as a place where those from all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds have a sense of belonging and pride.”
Speaking at the launch of the Welcoming City campaign, Dublin Chief Executive Owen Keegan, said it ties in with their Integration Strategy whereby Dublin City takes the lead in exploring opportunities for working on multi-agency initiatives with partner organisations in the city.
“We try to coordinate the actions necessary to deliver an inclusive and intercultural city which champions diversity and where all citizens are valued equally”, Mr Keegan said.
The launch also coincides with the start of Dublin City Social Inclusion Celebrations
This is a month of events and activities in communities throughout the city organised and delivered by community organisations themselves, including migrant-led groups, people with disabilities, libraries and Dublin City Council’s own Social Inclusion, Community and Sports Departments.
The role of the local authority in developing an inclusive society is a feature of recent local Government reform.
“The aim of the Social Inclusion Celebrations is to promote an awareness of social inclusion in the city and to positively influence the design and delivery of the council’s services,” the Lord Mayor added.
Adrian Cristea, chairman of the Interfaith Forum added: “Dublin has always enjoyed a very open attitude to different communities and cultures. This attitude is even more important at this time when intolerance appears to be more widespread.