Offaly's five-year Migrant Integration Strategy is launched

A five-year migrant integration strategy for Offaly was launched this week.

The launch of the Offaly Migrant Integration Strategy 2020-2024 was carried out by the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Carroll, and took place on Tuesday last, June 30.

The document, developed by Offaly County Council, the Offaly Local Development Committee (LCDC) and partner agencies, emerged from commitments made in 'A Blueprint for All', the Government's national Migrant Integration Strategy 2017-2020.

In terms of nationality, ethnicity, language, culture and religion, Ireland's population is becoming more diverse, and the 2016 Census showed that 8.5% of the population in Offaly was comprised of non-Irish nationals.

There were 6,617 non-Irish nationals here, and the most common non-Irish nationality was Polish (29%) followed by UK citizens (20%) and Lithuanians (16%).

Two of the key actions contained in the Offaly Migrant Integration Strategy were:

* Establish a Migrant Inter-Agency Working Group to advise and monitor the Integration Strategy

* Establish a Migrant Integration Forum through existing Public Participation Network Structures

The aim of the strategy is to work towards creating an inclusive and intercultural society where all residents of the county are valued equally.

"This is an action-based strategy and it clearly sets out how we intend to meet the identified needs of migrants in Offaly over the next five years," Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council.

Ms Delaney thanked the members of Offaly LCDC for their work in developing the strategy and looked forward to its implementation over the coming years.

Cllr Carroll said more than 20% of Ireland's working population is comprised of immigrants. "We have benefited greatly from their labour, particularly in the last 20 years," he said.

"Many of these migrants have brought new work skills, new attitudes, new shops, foods and cultures, and a determination to contribute to Irish society."

Cllr Carroll added that Offaly was "very fortunate to have a number of promising sporting athletes from migrant communities, who have participated in competitions and projects run by Offaly Sports Partnership.

"The partnership is very hopeful that some of these athletes will represent Ireland in major championships in the future," he said.

PICTURED ABOVE: Pictured at the launch of the strategy this week were: Cllr John Carroll; Paula Donovan, Administrative Officer, Offaly County Council; and Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Offaly County Council.

* You can download the Offaly Migrant Integration Strategy here: https://www.offaly.ie/eng/Services/Community-Culture/Offaly-Migrant-Integration-Strategy-/Offaly-Migrant-Integration-Strategy-.pdf