Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Table of Contents Introduction ...... 3 Executive Summary ...... 4 Acknowledgements ...... 5 : ’s Most Diverse Town ...... 6 Community Intercultural integration ...... 7 The Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar ...... 8 The Report ...... 8 Summary of presentations ...... 9 Opening Address: Mr David Stanton TD, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration ...... 9 ‘Our Ballyhaunis’ ...... 11 Ann Cunnane, CEO, Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce ...... 11 Mark Godfrey, Chairperson of Ballyhaunis Community Council ...... 12 Celesta Khosa, Resident at Ballyhaunis Old Convent Direct Provision Centre ...... 12 Intercultural Community ...... 13 Punjabi on the Pitch: Negotiations of Intercultural Engagement and Diversity .. 13 Diverse Global Culture ...... 13 Community Development and Mapping an Inclusive, Integrated, and Equal Future ..... 14 Hospitality and Storytelling as acts of reciprocity: Mellie sanctuary tales ...... 14 Coordination of Integration policy with Economic and Social Activity ...... 15 Economic advantages of Diversity ...... 15 Sport: a universal language ...... 16 Panel discussion ...... 18 Closing Statements ...... 19 Closing Address: Mr TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development 20 Conclusions ...... 21 Intercultural community ...... 21 Economic and Recreation...... 22 Summary of potential initiatives ...... 23 Appendices ...... 25 1. Abridged text of presentations ...... 25 2. Activities implemented by local organisations ...... 40 3. Centre for Migration and Intercultural Engagement Rationale ...... 41

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Introduction

The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) were approached in early 2019 by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership and Gerard McGarry, a representative of the Ballyhaunis community. Their request was that a spotlight be shone on the town, to build awareness of its unique composition, to take learning from what is a much evolved culturally integrative approach and to examine and plot the future of the town in terms of continued and improved integration interventions. It was agreed that a seminar would be held to examine the issues particular to the town and to give the community a chance to express its views as to what was working well, and what could be improved on. As the Department of Justice and Equality hold the policy remit in this area (Migrant Integration Strategy 2017-2020), they were invited to co-sponsor the event, and the day was very much formalised with the welcome presence of both Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, and Mr David Stanton TD, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration. It was also crucial to have the support of Mayo and South West Mayo Development Company, and both organisations were key drivers for the day in terms of organisation and publicity for the event. The event was a great success in terms of attendance, engagement and the variety and quality of contributions. The conference report, compiled by Megan Vine, a PhD student at the University of , provides a record of the day, and presents various discussion points that arose from the day and in subsequent community discussions. A subsequent seminar is envisaged for later in 2020 to facilitate the community in developing the discussion points further, and directing them to the appropriate agency, authority or Government Department for consideration.

Social Inclusion/Communities Unit Department of Rural and Community Development

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Executive Summary

This report provides a summary of the Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar, which was held at the GAA Centre of Excellence in Ballyhaunis on the 18th September 2019. Ballyhaunis is Ireland’s most ethnically diverse small town, and for the past 50 years it has been home to a diverse community of people from a migrant background who have integrated well with the Irish community. This cultural diversity is a source of pride in Ballyhaunis and is seen as a strength of the town, which has faced the challenges of rural depopulation and economic decline in recent years. Ballyhaunis is home to many vibrant community groups and organisations which work to promote interculturalism, integration and diversity for the benefit of all in the community. The GAA club is a central part of this work, offering a sense of welcome and belonging to people of all cultural backgrounds. The Chamber of Commerce and are also pivotal in organising events and initiatives which bring the community together, such as Mayo Day, Culture Night, and Heritage Week. The aim of the Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar was to chart what Ballyhaunis has achieved in the area of intercultural Integration and develop discussion points for future consideration for mapping an integrated future for the town. The exercise is intended to be of benefit to towns of similar composition. The seminar was jointly funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Department of Justice and Equality and Mayo County Council and was organised in conjunction with South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company, Ballyhaunis businesses and the wider Ballyhaunis community. Presentations by experts and local community members at the seminar provided insight into ongoing work in Ballyhaunis to promote interculturalism, and experts disseminated various approaches to promoting integration in the areas of community development, business and sport. This report is intended to provide a summary of the Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar so that learnings and discussion points may be drawn from the event and further developed. Based on this seminar, some suggested initiatives for the future of intercultural community development in Ballyhaunis are to:  Continue to develop community integration projects in the areas of Heritage, Culture, Language, and Arts. All members of the community should be supported to participate in these initiatives regardless of cultural background, and diverse communities should be represented at all levels of organisation and stages of planning. Support and funding should be provided by the relevant agencies for these community integration projects when necessary.  Establish a dedicated Integration Office with appropriate personnel in Ballyhaunis. This could support efforts to coordinate and ‘scale up’ the work being done in community integration.  Develop the necessary physical infrastructure for intercultural activities, which might involve a dedicated Cultural Centre or a multi-lingual school. A follow-up seminar will be hosted during 2020, to disseminate the findings of this report to the community. The report will be examined with representatives of the Ballyhaunis community and the suggestions set out herein worked through to the aim of developing a paper for circulation to appropriate Departments and Agencies.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Acknowledgements

This report would like to acknowledge the support of the following individuals and organisations for the central role they played at the seminar:

 Students and Teachers of Ballyhaunis Secondary School Foróige Ballyhaunis, Teachers and Children of Ballyhaunis National School  GAA Centre of Excellence who provided the venue free of charge  Exhibitors of local projects, social provision, educational opportunities which were a popular attraction at the seminar  The Organising Committee who made specific decisions to ensure the event was as carbon neutral as possible (re-usable cutlery, cups and plates used; timed the seminar to allow for public transport access; electronic invitations and recycled name tags)  ‘Bianca’s Cakes and Catering’ who created opportunities for the women in the Old Convent Direct Provision centre to get involved and Aleppo Foods, a catering business set up by Syrian refugees recently resettled in Mayo. Both were warmly applauded on the day  The level of collaboration with residents of the Old Convent Direct Provision Centre, the commitment given by Department of Rural and Community Development, Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company, Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce, Ballyhaunis Community Council and community volunteers.  ‘Changing Ireland’ for photographing the event. See their videos at: https://www.youtube.com/user/changingireland

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Background Ballyhaunis: Ireland’s Most Diverse Town

Ireland has traditionally been defined by first purpose-built mosque in Ireland. high levels of out-migration1 however this Another wave of migration occurred in the pattern has shifted considerably in the 1990s and early 2000s when people from past 15 years, and in 2016, 17% of the Eastern Europe began to move to the area population of Ireland were people from a to work in local industry. When the Direct migrant background. Ballyhaunis is a Provision system was established in 2000, small town in with a the Old Convent in Ballyhaunis became a population of just over 2,300 people and it Direct Provision centre and is now home holds the title of ‘most diverse town in to 245 people from many different Ireland’, with 42% of the population born countries who are seeking international outside of Ireland2. protection in Ireland. From 2007 to 2012, a refugee orientation centre in the area Despite a thriving export industry, the also hosted refugees who were relocated former busy market and retail hub has to Ireland by the High experienced serious business and social Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)3. decline in recent years. There were many contributing factors to this decline - the Cultural diversity has now become a part 2008 recession and the most recent wave of life in Ballyhaunis, and community of emigration from rural areas, as well as members from different cultural urban renewal policies which created a backgrounds have lived together competitive disadvantage for rural towns. harmoniously for many years. Integration These demographic changes have led to a brings challenges, however, for both the loss of members in some traditional migrant and the local population. One community organisations, and a sense of issue for people of a Muslim background isolation for some of the indigenous Irish is that a lot of socialising happens in local population. pubs, which may not be culturally appropriate for them. Also, people living in While most places in Ireland have seen an the Old Convent have financial restrictions increase in immigration over the past 15 because they live on a small allowance years, Ballyhaunis is unique in that its and many do not have permission to work population change happened over a which could limit their capacity to integrate longer period. The Rafique family with the local population. Additionally, established a Halal meat factory in some locals may feel unsure or Ballyhaunis in the 1970s which grew to overwhelmed by the scale of migration to become a successful part of their business the town and may not have experience of empire. This brought Pakistani and Syrian workers to the town, which still has thriving Muslim communities and is home to the

1 "Irish Emigration Patterns and Citizens Abroad", Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Irish Abroad 3 Woods, M. (2018) “Diversity in a Small Irish Town" Unit, June 20, https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=0 2017.https://www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/new 7af1748877c40e6b5dfd3761b903275 spress/publications/ministersbrief-june2017/1--Global- Irish-in-Numbers.pdf 2 Census of Ireland 2016 (Irish Central Statistics Office 2016) https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p- cp7md/p7md/p7dgs/

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

interacting with people of different organisations such as the Chamber of cultures4. Commerce, South West Mayo Development Company, Mayo The GAA is a unifying force for Intercultural Action, Ballyhaunis Family Ballyhaunis, particularly for the young Resource Centre and Ballyhaunis people from migrant backgrounds in the Inclusion Project, and statutory bodies town5. Through participation in GAA, such as Mayo County Council work young people build a sense of belonging together to promote diversity and inclusion and community, which can support their in the town. These groups host events and integration in Ballyhaunis. The GAA club is run initiatives which bring the local highly active in engaging with different community into contact with people from cultural groups in the town, efforts which different cultures, promoting were the subject of a Guardian understanding and celebrating the diverse documentary, ‘Pitching Up’ in 20176. cultures that call Ballyhaunis home. Along with the GAA, community

Community Intercultural integration

An innovative strategy of intercultural reflected in the presentations as part of integration has evolved in Ballyhaunis, the Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar, which which has the principle of mutual respect is briefly described below, and will be for all cultures at its heart and includes summarised in the next section of the Irish heritage and culture alongside the report. other cultures. This approach to intercultural community development in Ballyhaunis has emerged from 50 years of local integration experience and it frames diversity as a social and economic asset. Within this approach, mutual respect and tolerance among all cultures and ethnic origins is promoted, and people from migrant backgrounds are encouraged to retain their ethnic culture and language, while being included in intercultural activities. This diversity brings many benefits, however individual priorities are also diverse, and range from a focus on cultural inclusion to economic and rural development. These diverse priorities are

4 Mc Garry, O. (2019) Punjabi on the Hurling Pitch: Strangeness and the Self [E-book]. Oxford: Negotiations of Intercultural Engagement and Diversity. Interdisciplinary.Net Press. Seminar presentation at Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar, 6 ‘Pitching Up: an ancient sport for children in Ireland’s 18/10/2019. most ethnically diverse town’, The Guardian 5 McGarry, O. (2012) ‘“Sometimes it’s tough just fitting it Documentaries. https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng- all in”: Identity Formation and Social Membership among interactive/2017/jul/14/pitching-up-ancient-sports-for- Teenagers in an Immigrant Community in the West of childThren-in--most-ethnically-diverse-town Ireland’ in McGarry, O. & Stasiewicz-Bieńkowska, A. (eds.) Landscapes of (Un) Belonging: Reflections on

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

The Ballyhaunis opportunities was also a popular attraction for attendees. Integration Seminar A full catering service for the seminar was provided by a team of people who live in The Ballyhaunis Integration Seminar was the Direct Provision system. The reception held as part of National Social Inclusion and orientation of attendees was managed Awareness Week on the 18th of October by Transition Year students and members of Ballyhaunis Foróige who also promoted 2019 at the GAA Centre for Excellence in environmentally friendly and sustainable Bekan, Ballyhaunis. This event was the practices for the seminar. culmination of several years of coordinated efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in this unique town. The event was co-funded by the Department of Justice and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development and Mayo County Council and supported locally by Ballyhaunis Businesses and the wider Ballyhaunis community, South West Mayo Development Company and Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company. Attendees on the day included The Report community and voluntary organisations, immigration support agencies, LCDC members and chairs, local development The aim of this report is to share the and community development bodies, contributions and themes which were government departments, local authorities, discussed at the Ballyhaunis Integration teachers, trainers, students and members Seminar. This report was compiled by of the Ballyhaunis community. Megan Vine, a PhD student at the University of Limerick, in collaboration with The goal of the seminar was to chart what the Department of Rural and Community Ballyhaunis has achieved in the area of Development, Gerard Mc Garry intercultural integration and develop (representing the Ballyhaunis Community), suggested initiatives for mapping an South West Mayo Development Company integrated future for the town and towns of and Mayo County Council and is based on similar composition7. During the seminar, the talks presented at the seminar. In the academics and practitioners in the field of following sections, each of the diversity and inclusion and representatives presentations will be summarised, of local Ballyhaunis community followed by a section outlining suggested organisations addressed the assembly initiatives based on this report. Abridged followed by enthusiastic discussions and versions of the presentations are also informal debate. An exhibition of local included in Appendix 1 of the report. projects, social provision and educational

7 “Ministers Ring and Stanton address diversity seminar in https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/372b0f-ministers-ring- “Ireland’s most diverse town”, Ballyhaunis” Press release, and-stanton-address-diversity-seminar-in-irelands-mos/ Department of Rural and Community Development

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Summary of presentations

Opening Address: Mr David Stanton TD, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration

David Stanton, Minister of State for Equality, Immigration and Integration gave an opening address at the seminar which outlined the role and scope of funding and support for integration from his Department. The following is a summary of his speech.

The Irish Government is committed to recent years towards a fairer and more promoting diversity, for example through equal Ireland. the Migrant Integration Strategy, the Building capacity at a local level to National Strategy for Women and Girls, promote inclusion is important, because it the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion is here that the bonds of friendship can Strategy, the LGBTI National Strategy, best be forged. The Communities and the National Disability Inclusion Integration Fund introduced in 2017 was Strategy. These are a framework for established to support communities in governmental bodies and civil society to their efforts to promote integration. This create inclusion for all. They demonstrate shows the commitment of the Department strong progress that has been made in of Justice and Equality to implement

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

action 51 of the Migrant Integration average concentration of people with poor strategy, to support actions by local English language skills and socio- communities around Ireland to promote economic disadvantage. We can use this the integration of migrants. analysis to target supports in areas where there is the most social need and There was €526,000 of funding granted in implement policies to support local 2019, and projects that support migrants authorities to address this. and refugees in Ballyhaunis received funding from this. Projects that support The Community Sponsorship Ireland intercultural awareness, where host initiative is a new strategy to promote the communities and migrant communities are integration of refugees. Five refugee brought together to celebrate each other’s families are currently being supported in customs and cultures are supported Ireland through this scheme. Refugee through this fund. Events are hosted families are moved from refugee camps, where migrants are invited to share and relocated by UNHCR and housed and promote their culture and food, and they supported by the local community. The are also introduced to Irish culture. These community identifies a house, a family is initiatives are generating a huge amount of selected, the community meets the family energy and positivity, and migrants and at the airport and supports them to help non-migrants are taking part in shared them integrate in the local area. Great activities within communities. 124 projects personal satisfaction is found from helping have been supported in 2019 through this others and the initiative taps into the scheme, including the ‘GAA Global Cup goodwill of Irish communities. Initiatives Tournament’, and ‘Food and Families such as these creates ties and a sense of Ballyhaunis’ in the Ballyhaunis area. Their belonging for refugees, and they are goal is to increase the contact between related to good integration outcomes and migrant and non-migrant communities, to high levels of community involvement. recognise diversity and help make people feel welcome.

The local authority plays a key role in supporting integration through implementing strategic actions and chairing local migrant integration forums. Their role is to respond directly to the complexities of diversity. In June 2018, the Department of Justice and Equality launched a study of the spatial distribution of migrants to assess areas of high and low concentration of migrant population. The report was produced by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) with funding from the Department of Justice and Equality, under the Equality and Integration Research Programme.

Overall, migrants have integrated well, and there are high levels of labour market participation and good spatial distribution. However, some areas have higher than

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

‘Our Ballyhaunis’

Anne Cunnane, Mark Godfrey and Celesta Khosa are all residents of Ballyhaunis who addressed the seminar to speak about the benefits and challenges of diversity in Ballyhaunis from their personal and professional perspectives. The following are summaries of their presentations.

development and social inclusion in the Ann Cunnane, CEO, Ballyhaunis area. Chamber of Commerce Ms Cunnane encouraged members of the diverse communities in Ballyhaunis to take an active role in organising events and Ms Cunnane spoke about the role of activities with the Chamber of Commerce, organisations in Ballyhaunis such as the to ensure it can continue to promote Chamber of Commerce and the GAA in diversity and integration. promoting integration through shared activities, intercultural celebrations, and sports. A further major asset is the GAA Dome, the largest covered sports arena in the world, which is now under construction. There are some challenges faced by the community, related to accommodation and the decline of the town centre. A scheme to counter urbanisation and the loss of local business is essential for

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Mark Godfrey, Chairperson of Celesta Khosa, Resident at Ballyhaunis Community Council Ballyhaunis Old Convent Direct Provision Centre

Mr Godfrey reported on the findings of a Ms Khosa presented a vivid account of life survey assessing local attitudes to in the Old Convent accommodation diversity, inclusion and facilities. centre, and she explained the various factors inhibiting asylum seekers abilities The study showed that most respondents to integrate with the community. Many of had a generally positive view of the town the residents are highly skilled, however and there is a desire among most the restrictions regarding the right to work respondents to be more involved in the prevent many from participating fully in local community. Many respondents from society8. migrant backgrounds stated that they found it challenging to be involved with Communication between people living in integration activities locally due to time the Convent and the wider community is a constraints and communication difficulties. challenge, and people are keen to learn about Irish culture and norms, however White Irish respondents were generally mutual recognition and respect are positive about the diversity in Ballyhaunis, needed to achieve this. however some were concerned about racism towards people from migrant Ms Khosa cited the GAA as a prominent backgrounds, and a perceived lack of example of inclusion and advocated for participation in public life on the part of the more communication between the local migrant population in the town. community and those living in the Direct Provision centre. Local organisations have

implemented a variety of community Further details are available in Appendix integration projects (Appendix 2) which 1. Full results of the survey are also have involved people living in the Direct available on request. Provision system, and she recommended that these initiatives should continue in the future.

8 A major policy and regulation change was introduced in an initial decision on their claim within 9 months of June 2018 allowing asylum seekers who had not yet had submitting it to work.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Intercultural Community

Intercultural integration should be founded on equal respect for all cultures, ethnic origins and languages, and it is distinct from the ‘assimilation’ model which erases minority cultures in service of maintaining one ‘indigenous’ culture. Values such as parity of esteem, open- mindedness and reciprocity are key to community practice which upholds interculturalism. Bottom-up community activity initiated by people from migrant backgrounds and local communities needs top-down support to develop and maintain the kind of intercultural community initiatives that have been so successful in Ballyhaunis. The following section summarises presentations which explore various aspects of intercultural community practice, connecting the global and the local.

backgrounds in communities such as Punjabi on the Hurling Pitch: Ballyhaunis. Negotiations of Intercultural Prejudice towards people from migrant Engagement and Diversity backgrounds creates a barrier to interculturalism, as does a lack of resources to support interaction and exchange between members of different cultural groups. In the context of the continued growth of diversity in Irish society, Dr Mc Garry commented that ‘it is incumbent on Irish society to work towards interculturalism as a national obligation…..to take a stand as a nation supportive of diversity’, and, ‘Top down approaches are needed to support Dr Orla McGarry, Lecturer and bottom-up community efforts’. Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Political Science and Sociology, NUI Dr Mc Garry discussed different aspects of Diverse Global Culture ‘interculturalism’, a term which describes Dr Tony Barrett, Anthropologist. practices that celebrate intercultural difference and exchange. In this presentation, Dr Barrett drew on his experiences as a missionary and Grassroots interculturalism occurs at the anthropologist on the African continent to level of the individual and describes how emphasise the importance of tolerance they interact with culturally different others and respect for difference in the creation in their daily life, using their skills to adapt of an intercultural society. He emphasised to the new cultural framework. Targeted that open-mindedness, communication interculturalism is practiced through and willingness to explore alternatives are interventions designed to promote key to remembering our shared humanity. intercultural exchange in contexts such as cross-border initiatives in , or between people from different cultural

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Community Development and Hospitality and Storytelling as Mapping an Inclusive, acts of reciprocity: Mellie Integrated, and Equal Future sanctuary tales

Dr Veronica Crosbie, Assistant Professor of Migration and Intercultural Studies in the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies (SALIS), City University (DCU) and Chair of the University of Sanctuary Ireland network. Ms Julie Daniel, DCU SALIS PhD scholarship holder and manager of the DCU University of Sanctuary Mellie project. Anastasia Crickley, Former Chair of UN Dr Crosbie and Ms Daniel reflected on the Committee for Elimination of Racial multiple meanings of hospitality and Discrimination (CERD) welcome in our society and they discussed the success of their Mellie

Sanctuary Project at DCU, which is a Ms Crickley discussed how to approach University of Sanctuary. inclusion work from a Community The Mellie Sanctuary Project is an Development perspective and argued that initiative which facilitates interaction and community integration policy should be community-building between students at coordinated with other development DCU and residents of a Direct Provision policies to ensure parity of economic centre through storytelling and esteem for all members of the community. photography. This project has been Inclusion work should move away from successful in supporting intercultural ‘assimilationist’ approaches which erase exchange and helping residents of Direct minority cultures and have had a negative Provision to feel more welcome in Ireland. impact on groups such as Travellers in Places of Sanctuary create a community- Ireland. Integration should be a ‘two-way level culture of welcome, and the goal of street’ which involves change on the parts the Mellie Sanctuary Project is to break of both majority and minority group the isolation of people in Direct Provision members. and create strong links between the Ms Crickley praised the work that is university and the residents. ongoing in Mayo in the area of diversity and inclusion and highlighted the cooperation between the Department of Rural and Community Development,

Department of Justice and Equality, Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company and members of Ballyhaunis community in creating the seminar.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Coordination of Integration policy with Economic and Social Activity Economic advantages of Diversity The following section of the report summarises presentations which focus on the economic advantages of cultural diversity. Diversity is a global asset, and the languages and home contacts of the diverse population are a relevant resource to industries in Ballyhaunis. Many members of the community from migrant backgrounds are qualified professionals, and future development should capitalise on these skills. Commercial decline is not related to diversity, and Ballyhaunis has shown that successful community integration is enhanced by economic development. The integration process can be further enhanced and progressed by a broadening of the objectives to provide for all future challenges and the various priorities and concerns of different sectors and individuals. Community integration along with economic and recreational measures should create benefits for all and demonstrate the global advantages of diversity and interculturalism. Changing global circumstances such as Brexit and climate change require a revised approach to economic development, and the way forward is indicated by the speakers in the section below.

Tom Forde, President of Ballyhaunis community. Future investment in broadband will hopefully allow Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce to capitalise on its diversity by developing e-commerce in the area. The Chamber of Commerce is also committed to promoting integration through events such as Mayo Day, the Easter parade, Heritage Week, Culture Night, and the Christmas lights. These events help to foster a sense of community which is an essential part of integration.

Imran Sher Rafique, Software

Consultant and Owner of US-based Mr Forde highlighted the multiple economic advantages of Ballyhaunis financial services businesses which is the most diverse small town in Ireland. The high level of employment and industry in the town is a great asset, as are the many vibrant clubs and facilities such as the GAA Centre of Excellence and the new dome which will host regional, national and international events. To face the challenges posed by economic decline, planning initiatives which revitalize the town centre will be Mr Rafique spoke of the vision and developed for the benefit of all the achievement of his father, Sher

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Mohammed Rafique, who, in conjunction David Minton, Director, Northern with the local community, became the second largest beef producer and the and Western Regional Assembly largest lamb producer in the world while Mr Minton discussed the challenges and based in Ballyhaunis. The diverse opportunities that Ballyhaunis faces in community working together in harmony relation to urbanisation, digitalisation and helped to build this business empire. globalisation. Mayo is a ‘region in Mr Rafique explained how Brexit can be transition’ and needs investment to an opportunity to enhance the improve its physical and digital international links that Ballyhaunis has connectivity which will, in turn, support which could make the West of Ireland an economic development. important access point from the UK to EU. There is great potential in the region, as In this way, the area can become a route evidenced by the designation of Europe to accessing international markets such as Entrepreneurial Region in 2018 and the China and the UK. high number of start-ups in the region. The Both physical and human infrastructure development of transport infrastructure are needed to sustain this future and clean energy will further achieve this development and benefit all members of vision. Digitization is a key part of this the community. Ballyhaunis residents process, and through the EU ‘Smart Rural’ 9 speak multiple languages, which can help project Ballyhaunis could potentially to attract digital enterprise to the area become the first ‘smart town’ in Ireland. through call centres, translation centres and production centres.

Sport: a universal language The following section summarises presentations on the many ways in which sport, and particularly GAA can support and sustain intercultural community integration. Sport has multiple benefits and it contributes positively to the community, promoting health and well- being for participants, a social occasion for supporters and economic benefit by services at venues. In Ballyhaunis, GAA is especially relevant and has been pivotal in uniting community members from different cultural backgrounds, a benefit which was captured and shared internationally by the award-winning Guardian documentary called ‘Pitching Up’. The speakers below share their experiences of sport and community integration, from both a personal and a professional perspective.

9 European Network for Rural Development ‘Smart Rural https://enrd.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/smart-rural- Project – expression of interest’ project-expression-interest_en

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Seán Óg Ó hAilpín - Personal Experiences Gerry Lyons, Ballyhaunis GAA - 45 years of intercultural sports Mr Lyons, chairperson of the Ballyhaunis GAA club, described how the national games promote Irish culture and language to people of all backgrounds. In this way, GAA promotes friendship across cultural boundaries. In 2017, Ballyhaunis GAA club brought 50 asylum seekers, enthusiastic Mayo supporters in red and green, to attend an all-Ireland final in Dublin. These, and Mr Ó hAilpín is of Irish-Fijian descent, and other activities (see Appendix 2), led to he described his experience of coming to local and international recognition for the live in Ireland from Australia as a young club, and they are now preparing for the person, and the racial discrimination he implementation of an integrated faced when he first arrived. tournament in 2020. Mr Lyons highlighted the fact that this work is reliant on the After initially struggling to make friends, he goodwill of volunteers and that funding for joined his local GAA club which an Integration Officer role will increase the transformed his life in Ireland. Through his capacity within the community to continue participation in GAA, he found a sense of this work. community and belonging, and it opened doors for him which led to him becoming a successful hurling and player on Cork county teams. John Prenty, CEO, GAA Council / Centre of Excellence Mr Prenty highlighted the fact that the GAA is inclusive, and everybody is welcome there. A Global Smart Dome for GAA sports will be built in Ballyhaunis thanks to a 2.1 million Euro grant from the Department of Rural and Community Development. This facility will be the biggest of its kind in the world. Mr Prenty thanked Minister Michael Ring for his support and the funding to initiate this exciting project.

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Panel discussion

The following section summarises a panel discussion which was facilitated by Maria Mc Hale, SICAP Programme coordinator at South West Mayo Development Company. The panel members included; Gerard Mc Garry, representative of Ballyhaunis Community, Anastasia Crickley, former Chair of UN Committee for Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), Sara Althabhaney, young person from Ballyhaunis and resident of the Old Convent Direct Provision centre, Carol Baxter, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Justice and Equality, and Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The members of the panel discussed Shared stories were discussed as having ways of addressing fears that members of an important role within a community the community may have about diversity. development approach to bring Integration initiatives such as those seen communities together. This work should in Ballyhaunis were cited as an important not be ‘charitable’ but should instead be way these fears can be addressed. underpinned by the value of reciprocity. In Creating pathways for members of diverse this way, community development can groups to be represented in key roles such help to create the conditions where as teachers and doctors was also everyone can participate in community life. discussed, as well as the establishment of With this approach, a new community robust hate speech legislation. Panellists could be created where everyone has a also highlighted the value of personal stake and has ownership. One practical stories in communicating the value of measure which was suggested to improve diversity to people who may be fearful or communication between community prejudiced towards people from different members from different cultural groups cultural backgrounds. In communicating and the Chamber of Commerce in with these people, an empathetic Ballyhaunis is the establishment of a ‘One approach was recommended, so that Stop Shop’ where all local information can prejudice can be addressed be obtained for community members from compassionately. all cultural backgrounds.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Closing Statements

Representatives from the Ballyhaunis community and Mayo County Council made some closing statements at the end of the seminar, and these are summarised below.

Gerard Mc Garry Representative of Ballyhaunis community Peter Hynes Chief Executive, Mayo County Council Mr Mc Garry highlighted the economic and social potential of Ballyhaunis, which he said could be an example to the world. He praised the community spirit of the town and shared his hope that collaboration will continue between the community and the government departments involved in the seminar.

Mr Hynes commented on how successful the seminar has been in demonstrating productive collaboration between government departments, Mayo County Council, the GAA and the Chamber of Commerce and other organisations. He

highlighted the benefits of increased diversity in a part of Ireland which has experienced population loss and economic decline. Capitalising on the skills and capacities of the diverse population will enable Mayo to deal with future challenges that the area may face.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Closing Address: Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development

Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development gave a closing address at the seminar. In his speech, Mr Ring warmly thanked the organisers and participants and attendees of the seminar and highlighted some of the programmes supported by his department which promote diversity and community integration. The speech is summarised below.

Communities working together are what Newcomers should be welcomed and make things happen in Ireland, and supported in Ireland. The resources are Ballyhaunis is a fantastic town that limited, but programmes like Social welcomes new people in the community. It Community & Community Activation is important to remember how many Irish Programme (SICAP) are fantastic in people moved around the world in the past supporting people to set up their own to find a better life, people who had limited businesses and to become independent English and worked their way up through through the supports gained. society, giving their children a chance to The community aspect of the Department have a better future. of Rural and Community Development is Ireland is a country of emigration. When important, and the Community Services Irish people went abroad, they wanted Programme supports 400 groups and kindness, but that was not always 1500 people around the country. The received. Irish people faced racism seminar has been a great success and alongside other immigrant groups, demonstrates the interest and will of many however they were grateful for the people in working together to support opportunities that they had. diversity and inclusion in Ballyhaunis.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Conclusions

Intercultural community

There was consensus among the groups to facilitate intercultural exchange speakers that there were many examples and integration. Achieving this goal in a of successful community integration multi-lingual town will require effort and between people from different cultural coordination, so a dedicated Integration backgrounds in Ballyhaunis. Several Officer will be welcomed by the community speakers emphasised the critical role of and organisations alike. cooperation between government departments, local authority, local development companies, local community organisations and people from migrant backgrounds in developing and maintaining a positive intercultural community in Ballyhaunis. Community development can help to achieve equality of opportunity in all aspects of daily life and all levels of society. Partnerships should be extended to involve Department of Education and Skills, Department of Culture, Heritage and the , Regional Assemblies, local development companies, and LEADER partnerships to facilitate this. Communities should create conditions where everybody can participate and empower community members in a reciprocal way. Voluntary integration activities have been highly successful to date and achieved national and international awards. Furthermore, several speakers at the seminar recommended that the voluntary bottom-up activity should be scaffolded by top-down support (See Appendix 2). Interculturalism involves a mutual and equal exchange between members of different cultural groups and Irish society, and this experience can enrich all cultures.

Ballyhaunis residents from both the ‘host’ culture and migrant backgrounds have recommended improved communication between members of different cultural

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Economic and Recreation

Ballyhaunis Chamber of Commerce have which draws on the experience of local extensive experience and expertise in volunteers coordinated with the stimulating economic activity based on competence and influence of relevant local resources, the strategic central authorities. location, and access to important transport The positive contribution to the seminar by hubs. The multicultural population in youth organisations shows their concern Ballyhaunis are speakers of many for the environment and sustainable languages and members of a diverse development, and this should be further global community with a vast web of harnessed in future initiatives. As international contacts. mentioned by speakers in the seminar, The rural community of Ballyhaunis has an community intercultural integration is an extraordinary global potential and a record ‘ongoing work in progress’. Education is for international achievement. The vision an area of future development in relation of the Rafique family in the 1970s created to this work, which could be discussed the second largest meat producer in the further in the follow-up seminar. world. Imran Sher Rafique proposed another vision for Ballyhaunis and the region; an alternative trade route to avoid the transport chaos which will follow Brexit using existing resources and infrastructures. The strategic location of Ballyhaunis and its human resources have the potential for the creation of I.T. global services, call centres, trade and translation services. The achievement of ‘smart town’ status for Ballyhaunis could be key to the above developments. Sport, and particularly GAA is a powerful medium for integration, and this was exemplified by Seán Óg Ó hAilpín’s experiences. Bottom-up development work in this area also requires top-down commitment, and bodies such as Enterprise Ireland and IDA could be involved in an integrated multi-sectoral partnership to sustain this work. The seminar emphasised the critical role of such bottom-up and top-down cooperation

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Summary of potential initiatives

The following is a brief summary of potential initiatives which broadly reflect the discussions at the seminar. These will require further discussion, as Ballyhaunis continues its development in the future.

1. Community integration projects in meetings to review the progress of the areas of Heritage, Culture, relevant initiatives. The Language, and Arts should discussions in this forum should be continue to be developed. All multi-sectoral where possible and members of the community should should consider inter-sectoral be supported to participate in these impacts. initiatives, regardless of cultural 6. Actions could be developed which background and diverse involve and stimulate youth communities should be activities, including young people represented at all levels of from diverse backgrounds. These organisation and stages of may include for example; a forum planning. Support and funding on climate action, I.T., international could be provided by the relevant communication and networking. agencies for these community 7. Pedestrian and cycle access from integration projects when Ballyhaunis town to the GAA pitch necessary. could be completed. This should 2. A dedicated Integration Office also link with the processing could be established in factory and to the GAA Global Ballyhaunis, with the appropriate Smart Dome. personnel. This office could 8. In collaboration with the support the coordination and Department of Education and Skills scaling-up of community further education, training and integration initiatives in the town. accommodation opportunities for 3. The necessary physical Ballyhaunis could be explored infrastructure for intercultural which will support all members of activities could be developed, the community regardless of which might involve a dedicated cultural background to participate Cultural Centre or a multi-lingual in community and public life. school. 9. A committee of community leaders 4. A community development could be established, which should programme based on equality of be representative of the diverse opportunity, shared benefits, and cultural groups in Ballyhaunis. This the advantages of diversity should could support the development of be implemented. actions proposed in Appendix 2. 5. The extended partnership between 10. The ‘Smart Rural’ initiative could government departments, statutory be pursued, which would involve bodies and community the sustainable development of organisations that has been Information Technology services developed through the Ballyhaunis such as call-centres, export trade Integration Seminar could be services, global trade contacts to formalised. This might involve capitalise on the human resources information sharing and regular

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

in Ballyhaunis and face future 12. A follow-up seminar will be hosted challenges. during 2020 to disseminate the 11. The of the town findings of this report with the centre’s social hub could further community, when the report will be support diverse members of the examined with representatives of community to integrate with each Ballyhaunis community and the other and avail of resources and initiatives and discussion points opportunities within Ballyhaunis. worked through with a view to developing a more detailed report.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Appendices

1. Abridged text of presentations

‘Our Ballyhaunis’ engineering export products, industry created by local families, some who are Ann Cunnane, CEO, Ballyhaunis Chamber second and third generation immigrants. of Commerce Due to accommodation shortages, many Ballyhaunis is a small rural town situated employees are forced to commute from in the centre of Connaught, an hour’s drive outside, which adds expense and from major urban areas such as Athlone, contributes to the carbon footprint. and Galway, 40 minutes from larger Although Ballyhaunis boasts many small towns of and Ballina, and just retail businesses and enterprises, there is 10 minutes from in a lack of multi-national companies or Knock. It is the most ethnically diverse hotels in the town. The town centre was town in Ireland, and the White Irish once a lively social hub; however, it has population in Ballyhaunis is 39.5%. not recovered from the rural decline that There are challenges in the local area resulted from the recession. Urban surrounding accommodation, retail and renewal schemes increased the attraction infrastructure in the town. A lack of of bigger centres so local traders get accommodation prevents all employees minimum benefit from the industrial engaging in community activity in activity. In addition, new developments Ballyhaunis, which has around 2,000 such as the sports dome are situated employed in a population of 2,300. Local away from the town centre and lack employment is mainly in meat and

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appropriate infrastructure to connect with opportunities. The languages, global town dwellers. contacts and skills of migrants can be a great advantage with the future focus on The Chamber of Commerce is actively emerging global markets. International encouraging new businesses and call-centres, translation centres; investment to Ballyhaunis to revitalise the Information Technology based financial town centre which is a great opportunity services and other new-era employment for investors and will increase footfall. This could be developed for the area. initiative will require the help and cooperation of Mayo County Council. Full involvement of diverse communities Through Arts and Culture, integration and continues to be a challenge. The inclusion between our various preparation of the Integration Seminar and communities is happening, and community the associated survey research has given events during Culture Nights and Heritage us the opportunity to engage with and get Week have proven to be hugely the viewpoint of different members of the successful in promoting diversity. A community, as well as creating contacts. dedicated Arts & Craft Centre for the town Representatives of different cultural would provide employment and education groups in Ballyhaunis are encouraged and whilst continuing to celebrate our diverse welcomed to be actively involved in the communities’ cultures and traditions. Chamber of Commerce and other voluntary groups in Ballyhaunis, to ensure Integration through sports is also an that the core operation is part of any ongoing part of the community approach integration measures and policies going to inclusion. Continued cooperation with forward. departments and authorities is needed to implement a regeneration programme for Ballyhaunis. Support is needed with the preparation of an expert-led development plan for Ballyhaunis and the Mid-Connacht Ballyhaunis Integration Survey Region which would include having a Mark Godfrey– Chairperson Community dedicated Integration Officer. Council Development of a pedestrian friendly route to connect the sports dome with the town centre has been discussed with Mayo County Council, and the Chamber of Commerce will continue to strive to bring this to fruition. Walking trails for the area are also in the process of development to attract walking tourism to the area and linking in the Centre of Excellence is a vital part of this process.

A sustainable future community must adapt to the new skills and priorities of Mark Godfrey, Ann Cunnane and Celesta coming generations, for example in the Khosa conducted a survey over the area of Information Technology. The course of a month to assess attitudes to Chamber of Commerce has identified diversity, inclusion and available facilities several opportunities and feasible in Ballyhaunis. 120 people were surveyed possibilities which are created by the in total, with 52% of the sample self- global diaspora who have been attracted identifying as Irish, including dual identities to Ballyhaunis by the employment such as Pakistani-Irish and Syrian-Irish. The other 48% of the sample identified as

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Polish (7%), Brazilian (7%), British (4%), schedules, and over 20% said that they Pakistani (3%), Syrian (3%) and Nigerian were not aware of the integration activities (3%). 61% of the survey respondents were that were available. In terms of integration between 25 and 44 years old, 71% were in with the local community, 64% of Ballyhaunis for family reasons, and 60% respondents felt that they had integrated a have lived in Ballyhaunis for less than 20 moderate amount or less with the years. community in Ballyhaunis. Some respondents were concerned about a lack Population data from the Central Statistics of integration in the town, stating; ‘There is Office (CSO) shows there was a large often little overlap between their day to population increase between 2006 and day lives with language being a real 2011 (4,000) with a slower increase barrier.’ (Irish, female, 30) between 2011 and 2016 (500). According to CSO statistics the percentage of people Prejudice towards other ethnicities was with 3rd level education in Ballyhaunis is also a concern, and one commented; stable at 21% and the percentage of those ‘There is a large cohort of people who are with primary level education only is prejudiced against the outsider. They do decreasing (16% in 2016). In terms of not even realise it themselves that they indicators of deprivation, the lone parent’s are racist. The whole world opened its ratio decreased between 2011 and 2016 doors to Ballyhaunis people throughout (from 24 to 16). Unemployment in the area the centuries, the least we can do is is significant, with female unemployment welcome the less fortunate.’ (Irish, male, at 24% and male at 16%. The deprivation no age specified) score for the area is going into reverse, A lack of participation of migrant groups in from -4 in 2011 to -7.5 in 2016. local life was also cited as a concern; ‘We The data show that there was an need more of our non-national residents to overwhelming desire among the get involved locally...there are many respondents to be more involved in the different clubs and organisations all been local community (85%), and 65% of the run voluntary by (the same few) local respondents stated that they had a residents... In order to get the resources generally positive view of the town. we require everybody living in Ballyhaunis Respondents were positive about the should be involved in some small way...’ diversity of the town and felt that (Irish, male, no age specified) Ballyhaunis had good facilities and The survey invited respondents to give transport, and one commented: ‘There is recommendations for how to improve opportunities to get out of the house, integration in Ballyhaunis, and they cited a participate in various activities such as range of measures which encompassed Language cafe, conversation class, drama the domains of Culture, Community, group.’ (Polish, female, 45-54). Others Education and Social services and commented that there was a good sense Transport. In terms of cultural of community in the area; ‘Ballyhaunis has engagement one respondent suggested; a great sense of community spirit, ‘Activities that welcome everyone equally fantastic resilience in the face of economic and help people understand the difference challenges, a can-do attitude and a of other people’s culture and religion and I welcoming feel.’ (Irish, female, 34-45) would love if there was a place I can learn Engagement in integration activities is a about the Irish culture or meet people who challenge for many, with over 30% of wants to know about me.’ (Yemeni, respondents stating that the available female, 45-54) integration activities did not suit their

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Support for specific communities to Celesta Khosa integrate was also recommended; ‘I would Ballyhaunis resident of the Old Convent love services for the Syrian woman to help Direct Provision centre them with integration and be involved for the people of Ballyhaunis to mix with People who live in the Old Convent Direct different nationalities.’ (Syrian/Irish, no age Provision centre in Ballyhaunis are said to specified) Improvements to transport were be living ‘up the hill’ as they are separated recommended by several respondents; from the wider community, who live ‘down ‘Transportation is also the major problem the hill’. People in DP go through a lot, in Ballyhaunis.’ (Nigerian, female, no age they have trauma and fear, and many specified) have mental health issues. This makes it hard for people to go ‘down the hill’. In DP Services in the community which support there are people with many skills, such as people to study or set up businesses was lawyers, doctors, clothes makers, and they suggested by one respondent; ‘I would cannot access skills because they don’t love to have a warm place to go five days have a right to work. The right to work is a week 9 - 5 pm, where people can study important for asylum seekers. Mothers, with Wi-Fi or/and start their own business fathers, people who are strong and for free or at a minimal cost.’ (British/Irish, intelligent are surviving tragedy in DP. 45-54) Before people in the community ask why Childcare, sports, healthcare and people don’t come down the hill, it’s educational facilities were also suggested important to know that they want to know to improve the area; ‘hopefully a hotel and people. They don’t want to talk about their a multipurpose sports centre like in personal stories, because it’s traumatic. Barnacarroll’ (Irish, female, 45-54) ‘Full- Communication issues are a challenge in time childcare facility; ETB to bring in a the Convent, so people must learn from variety of vocational programmes; primary each other. It’s important to teach people school increased its capacity to about Irish culture, teach the norms and accommodate all children living in the customs to new people, otherwise they town, particularly asylum seekers children; won’t learn. There is a word ‘Ubuntu’ counselling and/or support groups for which means that ‘we are because of people with mental health / bereavement / others’ and mutual respect is important in addiction issues.’ (Russian, female, 34- encouraging diversity and inclusion. It’s 35). important to recognise each other, greet your neighbours and simply say hello. To support diversity and inclusion in Ballyhaunis it is important to encourage the involvement of people ‘up the hill’, to open doors for the asylum seekers and get people involved. Sporting organisations are working successfully to include asylum seekers and migrants in their work already, and the GAA is a prominent example of this, hopefully this will continue. Community groups such as Ballyhaunis Inclusion project, which is organised by women living in the Direct Provision Centre at the Old Convent are making a big effort to connect asylum

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

seekers with the local community. Support and celebrating difference, and it has and engagement from the wider many different manifestations in Irish community is essential to keep these society. groups going and to help people feel Targeted programmes that promote welcome in the area. interculturalism involve activities planned with intercultural engagement as an explicit goal. Examples of these include

the successful ‘Belong’ programme in Northern Ireland, which is a Youth Work intervention aiming to foster intercultural engagement among children. The ‘Restore’ project based in the University of Limerick is an example of a Participatory Action Research project working directly with migrants to develop intercultural policies and practices. Restore assessed barriers for ethnic minorities to accessing healthcare with the goal of developing Punjabi on the Hurling Pitch: policy-level strategies for accessing Negotiations of Intercultural healthcare. Engagement and Diversity Grassroots interculturalism is negotiated Dr Orla McGarry, Lecturer and by individuals on an ad hoc basis Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of according to their circumstances and Political Science and Sociology, NUI builds on common attributes and shared Galway strengths. An example of this would be migrant populations using their skills in Ireland has traditionally been a country cricket to help them play hurling in Ireland. defined by out-migration, however in These practices by migrants are recent years in-migration has been characterised by using difference tactically increasing. Ireland’s population is now to contribute to their management of daily 13% comprised of people from a migrant life. Cosmopolitanism is a form of background and the main nationalities are interculturalism that is based on the belief British, Polish, Lithuanian, Romanian, that human beings belong to a single Latvian and Brazilian and ‘other’ which community, based on a shared morality. encompasses 136 nationalities. Ethnic Cosmopolitan places tend to be urban diversity in Ireland may be defined as settings where individuals openly and ‘super-diversity’ which encompasses enthusiastically engage with multiple multidimensional levels of diversity across forms of cultural and social difference [9]. a greater range of transnational, Different spaces and contexts lead to geographical and socio-economic differences in the capacity for diversity. backgrounds, with greater variations in the age, gender, levels of education and Stigma and social exclusion are barriers to levels of human capital [8]. achieving interculturalism in Ireland, as ‘Interculturalism’ is a term that is specific migrant groups are stigmatised, celebratory of cultural difference and is which leads to them being excluded from now preferred over the term society. Interculturalism can also be an ‘multiculturalism’ which has been criticised overwhelming challenge to members of for leaving communities to themselves. the host community who are anxious The focus of ‘interculturalism’ is accepting about the awkwardness of initial

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

interactions. Low levels of intercultural intra-community (within) and inter- competence can also be a barrier to community (between), and it is important interculturalism and can lead to a lack of to avoid the divisions of ‘them’ and ‘us’. openness in local areas. Accessible and Rather, we are one community, with culturally appropriate facilities for migrant diversity included. Respect for others and groups can locally bring huge challenges, appreciation of other people are integral to as the predominant ‘pub culture’ in Ireland this process, and it is important to can be a barrier to people from different remember that we all came from cultures. somewhere, we all came from Africa. In the context of continued growth of To integrate you must get rid of your own diversity in Irish society, it is incumbent on cultural prejudices and confront the reality Irish society to work towards you see. Your identity shapes your view of interculturalism as a national obligation to the world. To make people feel at home, counteract the rise of the far right, and to you need to get the facts and information, take a stand as a nation supportive of and be ready to explore alternatives. To diversity. Top down approaches are build a vibrant community you need to be needed to meet grassroots community daring, because to achieve great things efforts in the middle. you must go outside your comfort zone. It is important to encourage people because

they are just like us - we are all human, Diverse Global Culture. after all. We must appreciate our common Dr Tony Barrett, Anthropologist humanity and what makes us similar. We must be open to others. Culture is hard to understand and hard to define, it is a complex whole including knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, customs, and any other capabilities or habits acquired by people as members of society. Culture is learned, and it is local. Every place has variation in pronunciation, distinctions of behaviour and so on. Culture makes people who they are, and

there should be intra-cultural communication in Ballyhaunis, because There are three key words which are everyone here is part of the culture. essential to promoting diversity - integration, culture and daring. In this work, it is important for people to share their languages with each other, to smile, Inter-cultural community development: and to remember that real people are not potential and advantages theoretical entities. Theoretical integration Anastasia Crickley, Former Chair of UN should be done in practice. Committee for Elimination of Racial The meaning of integration it is to make Discrimination (CERD) and former Head something whole or complete. This does of Department Applied Social Studies, co- not mean to make something founder Pavee Point and founding homogenous, but to make it whole so that member of Migrants Rights Centre Ireland. the different parts can interact with one Integration and inclusion are the road less another. There is a difference between travelled – courage, commitment and

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

daring are needed to address integration, are important, for example stories of so we need to acknowledge changes to be migrant workers open our eyes. The made at a structural and an individual response to racism should be rooted in level. The Department of Rural and community development. Community Community Development and the Development is about working collectively Department of Justice and Equality are for change which promotes social justice, working together to support diverse human rights and equality and a communities in Ballyhaunis and sustainable economy and environment - elsewhere, and adequate resources are all words never more popular in speech needed to scaffold this. and never less evident in the actions and their outcomes of the worlds powerful. Parity of esteem for minorities should Community Development can make a extend parity of economic esteem, so that difference and contribute significantly to everyone can gain equal outcomes. With developing and maintaining an inclusive, respect to this, priority should be given to equal and integrated society where the marginalised minority initiatives to avoid rights of all are not just nodded to but also movements limiting the rights of these realised. groups. Conditions should be created to achieve the goal of nobody left behind, Ballyhaunis, over the past half century has and those who are furthest behind should shown that a diverse community is not a be targeted for support first. divided community. Diversity has long been a discriminated part of Ireland as the Integration should not mean assimilation, experience of Travellers so clearly such as what has happened to the indicates. Moving from Ireland's multi- Traveller community in Ireland, where their cultural reality to the intercultural society culture has been systematically erased. we aspire to be means naming and Minority communities must be included acknowledging our fears and not and involved at all levels of society, not confusing those fears with the rights of just tolerated. those we thus further marginalise. It No one wants to just be tolerated, they means collaborative action at all levels want to be a full part of what is going on. bringing together responses from, in this Viewed in terms of inclusion, we can case the Department of Rural and imagine an inclusive society and address Community Development and Department the barriers to inclusion. Racism is a of Justice and Equality. It means barrier to inclusion. The Irish state has remembering that we, too were despised signed up to a definition of racism which emigrants and having the courage to focuses on purpose or effect of exclusion participate however we can in creating on the basis of ethnicity, however it is that world where all women, children and most important to focus on what is in men have the chance to be equal. effect racist. Special measures to support disadvantaged groups are not advantaging people over others, instead it is developing equity through creating a level playing field. Developing an intercultural society needs ordinary, ongoing work, and this is happening in Ballyhaunis and Mayo. Another national action plan is needed to address racism and take actions against it, both locally and nationally. Hearing stories

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Hospitality and storytelling as acts of at is an act of hospitality and helps people reciprocity: Mellie Sanctuary Tales to feel welcome. Breaking bread and sharing food are acts of welcome and

hospitality. The Places of Sanctuary Network represent a culture of welcome. In the US, the Cities of Sanctuary are political and are involved with resisting the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies actions to deport undocumented people. In Ireland, Places of Sanctuary are a community- level culture of welcome. First the community learns, and indigenous and newcomers together, and then practices Dr Veronica Crosbie, Assistant Professor are built from the top-level down and in Migration and Intercultural Studies in bottom up, developing a principled means the School of Applied Language and of engaging and sharing with others. Intercultural Studies (SALIS), Dublin City There are sanctuary activities happening University. Chair of the University of all over Ireland and 6 Universities are Sanctuary Ireland network. Julie Daniel, places of Sanctuary, supporting asylum DCU SALIS PhD scholarship holder and seekers and refugees to access third level manager of the DCU University of education. Sanctuary Mellie project. The Mellie storytelling project is part of the Hospitality is an ancient concept, and the Sanctuary initiative in Dublin City nomadic nature of humans and University, working with the Direct peacekeeping purposes force us to be Provision centre 40km from the university. hospitable. Hospitality can be an The goal is to break the isolation and ambiguous term, and in some create strong links between the university interpretations, it means both guest and and the residents. Residents come to host. Inclusivity and integration at a campus, team up with a student and community level is with people who want exchange life stories in a gentle way. The to be part of the community. Derrida’s focus is on what makes us all human. interpretation of hospitality gives the sense There have been 160+participants over 4 that it is not your home and you must act years. The project incorporates based on that understanding. This photography with Vukasin Nedeljkovic, as approach is reflected in immigration rules can be seen in the Visual Voices photo- which, in effect, are conditional rights to voice exhibition. The LanguaCulture space people feeling at home. at the university facilitates the interaction, and all participants decide on the theme of Reciprocity involves getting to know the the work, the land and the self. The other and ourselves, and collaborative initiative has been successful in learning leads to a sense of belonging. To supporting asylum seekers to acclimatise be fully human is to have parity of esteem, to new people and to develop it is to be respected and to be able to hold relationships and links with the university. your head up, to live free of labels. Acts of hospitality could involve naming and labelling, for example in the names we call each other. The simple act of being smiled

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Economic and Social Development – envy of other areas, and they encourage Potential of Diversity people to shop in the town. In the future, improvements to broadband will hopefully Economic advantages of Diversity allow Ballyhaunis to capitalise on its Tom Forde, Chamber of Commerce diversity by developing e-commerce in the There are many economic advantages in area. Ballyhaunis linked to the diverse population of the area. Businesses are successful in employing people locally and regionally, leading to Ballyhaunis being recognised as the most diverse population in Ireland. Ballyhaunis has many vibrant clubs and facilities like the GAA club, the soccer club, rugby club and golf club which have all benefitted from the diverse population. The Centre of Excellence and the new dome will host regional, national and international events, and these new facilities will be taken full advantage of by the local community. The proximity of Ballyhaunis to Knock and other major transport links, and the central location in the middle of Connacht means this town can become a central hub for regional developments.

The loss of two financial institutions from the town led to a decrease in footfall and was a huge challenge to the economic First major industry was founded by a development of the area. The Chamber of migrant Commerce is taking measures to address this and is open to all business owners Mr Imran Sher Rafique, Software setting up businesses in the town. Consultant and Owner of US-based Planning issues have also presented a financial services businesses challenge to the development of Sher Mohammed Rafique came in 1972, Ballyhaunis, however tangible initiatives and after 20 years of hard work in such as the Square redevelopment project conjunction with the local community he has received support and funding in its became the 2nd largest beef producer in first phase. Other areas in need of the world, the largest lamb producer, and development such as the convent will be he had over 40 companies in total. Both developed for the benefit of the immigrants and locals working together in community, and there will be more plans harmony helped to build this business revealed soon. empire, which endured for years to come. Being community focussed is important so Immigration and integration can bring that everybody is integrated in images of different groups fighting over Ballyhaunis. The Chamber of Commerce limited resources, a zero-sum game. is heavily involved in community events Instead of looking at it that way, why not such as Mayo Day, the Easter parade, make the resources bigger? The 21st Heritage week, and Culture Night. The century will be characterised by the Christmas lights in Ballyhaunis are the division of the world into trading blocks,

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

and the most important areas will be the languages such as Mandarin may become border areas in these trading blocks in the more important. Many people here are future. Brexit will make this part of Ireland native speakers of different languages and the most important and advantageous this can help to target 1.2 billion people stepping-stone from the UK to the EU. globally with call centres, translation With Brexit, the area can become a centres and production centres. launching pad for two disparate trading Human infrastructure requires training to blocks, such as China and the UK. The provide skills and services in a business Chinese are trying to provide a cohesive environment. Computer literacy will be the set of infrastructures through target most important skill in the future, for all investments to allow businesses to jobs, and teaching mastery of new flourish, which contributes to building local computer languages requires investment economies. This can help improve the in training from a young age. Ireland, and situation for the whole community the West of Ireland can take advantage of including immigrant groups, and so groups their location to target key trading blocks, of people will not be scapegoated as and immigrant communities should be taking resources. viewed as a strength, not a weakness. Ballyhaunis has key pieces of Immigrants can have a powerful economic infrastructure, such as Knock airport, impact, and this is reflected in the fact that Rosslare seaport to the South, the border one quarter of all start-ups are founded by with UK to the North, and individual tourist immigrants. attractions on the .

Vision and a leap of faith is required to integrate these components into a single, cohesive whole, however. There are great pieces of local infrastructure, but away from ports and airports, the roads are not good. The West of Ireland could be a trade route like the Silk Road in the future by offering an alternative to the inevitable transport chaos that will come from Brexit. UK firms from the North of will be able to pass through Ireland on the less David Minton, Director, North West congested, stable route to access the Regional Assembly European market. Equally, other non-EU There will be 1 million more people in countries can use Ireland to access the Ireland by 2040, and the population of UK. county Mayo is set to grow in line with this. Human infrastructure is important in future The future development trends to plan for development, and Ballyhaunis is home to are urbanisation, digitization and a very multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic, multi- globalisation. Towns and villages should faith population. In Ballyhaunis, people are become the best places to live, places to living in harmony, which is not happening create sustainable communities. The jobs in other areas. There is a lot of will to do of the future are going to be in technology, better in Ballyhaunis and that can go a and these changes are coming rapidly. long way. Ballyhaunis has a 50-year Where we live and work will also be history of living with immigrant affected by climate change, which is going communities, thriving and progressing. to present considerable challenges for our English as a language is going to reduce communities. in importance in the EU, post-Brexit and

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

The region is not currently well connected Sport – a universal language to motorway networks, due to ineffective Personal Experiences planning in the past. Proper planning of infrastructure needs to be undertaken to affect regional development. Rail, motorway and gas networks neglect the West and the North of the country as it stands. The impact of bad planning leads to many challenges such as rural depopulation. Mayo is categorized as a ‘Region in Transition’ between developed and less-developed because the GDP has dropped so starkly in recent years, and there is a two-speed economy between Seán Óg Ó hAilpín South and North West, with some areas Seán’s father is from Fermanagh and his exceeding others. mother is from Rotuma, Fiji, and he Positives for the region include the started his life in Sydney, Australia. In designation in 2018 of European 1989, he moved back to Ireland with his Entrepreneurial region, and the high level family as a child, settling in Cork city. It of start-ups per square kilometre in the was challenging to adjust to life in such a region, characterised by a high level of monocultural place, after being part of a female participation. very diverse community background in Sydney, and the first three years were Ireland has 9000 km of ocean shelf, very tough. It was initially very difficult for showing great potential for the blue Seán to get used to the climate, to economy. Infrastructure here is also an understand the culture and to fit in with the issue, because Ireland only has one Tier 1 community in Cork. To make things port, while a smaller country such as Malta worse, people constantly reminded him has five Tier 1 ports. There is potential for that his family looked ‘different’ and the sustainable energy industry to be weren’t welcome. He dreamed of going developed further in the region. back to Sydney. Westport and Galway get accolades for Life improved immeasurably for Seán culture and being great places to live, and when he started getting involved with the Ballyhaunis can participate in the future GAA in Cork, as it opened a new world for development of the region by him. He made best friends and saw the implementing the ‘Smarter Greener value of being part of a team, working Europe’ policies and then funding will flow towards a common goal. He began to from that. The motorway extension could value the bond of the team, and people be capitalised on more in future. knowing who he was and where he lived. Digitization is an important part of It made him feel recognised as part of a developing tolerant, diverse, and team, and he felt more welcome. The local connected spaces. The ‘Smart City, Smart community showed their support for the Rural’ scheme is also an excellent team whether they won or not. opportunity for development, and through this scheme Ballyhaunis could become be The greatest human need is to be loved, the first ‘Smart Town’ in Ireland. and that’s what GAA gave to Seán. Being appreciated in this way made him want to

give it back. He felt accepted which made him feel like he wanted to keep playing the game and keep building his skills. This

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

brought Seán out to the county scene, The membership list at Ballyhaunis GAA playing with Cork. At that time there were clubs includes players from , no other non-White Irish people playing Syria, Latvia, Lithuania, and Brazil to the game, however people like him are mention a few. Team sports help to becoming more visible as time goes on. promote friendships and get people Through his career he has had the involved, and through sports people get to opportunity to meet politicians, artists and know each other. This work is other public figures as a member of the unfortunately reliant on volunteers, Cork team. He is always greeted warmly however, and young players are lost when by the local people. The GAA gives people families are relocated out of the parish. An who are lost and are looking for a home a integration officer would help to manage place to feel they belong. this process. In 2020 the GAA club will run an initiative bringing together Irish and

non-Irish players, thanks to support from the Department of Justice. Addressing challenges in our community involves drawing on the skills, knowledge and resources available to us. To this end, the GAA will continue to invite families from all around the world to participate in sports.

John Prenty CEO, GAA Connacht Council / Centre of Excellence The GAA vision is to be inclusive and to Ballyhaunis GAA, 45 years inter- welcome everybody. The GAA manifesto cultural sports says that in the GAA we belong. People attend the games not just because they Gerry Lyons, Ballyhaunis GAA club are involved with football, but because Ireland’s national games are involved with they belong. The motto of the GAA is that promoting culture and language to young ‘it can be done’ and that ‘nothing is people through the Scór programme. Scór impossible’. The Ballyhaunis GAA club includes dancing, music and drama and building is a testament to that involves people from many different determination. The first phase of the cultures. This programme opens avenues development is now completed, and the and gates for the people who take part. second phase started 2 weeks ago. The Ballyhaunis Integration day was The GAA is a great conduit to get people initiated in 2015, chaired by Gerard Mc involved in the community. Thanks to a Garry. As part of this initiative events and grant from the Department of Rural and family days out were planned, and David Community Development Regeneration Stanton attended one of these events fund of 2.1 million, a Global Smart dome which triggered the Integration Seminar. will be built in Ballyhaunis, and it will be The GAA club also hosted 50 asylum the biggest in the world. It will be 150 x seekers to attend the Ladies all Ireland 100m and 26m high and can be controlled final at Croke Park in 2017. These, and through technology. Thanks to Minister other activities led to local and Michael Ring for the support and the international recognition through Pride of funding which helped us to initiate this Place and the Meitheal award in 2017. project.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Panel discussion Ballyhaunis where people from other cultures have integrated successfully. The Facilitated by Maria McHale, South West funding for the seminar came through the Mayo Development Company SICAP program, managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is available in disadvantaged communities, to help integrate migrants into communities. Our goal is to support and develop sustainable inclusive vibrant and empowered communities, and events like the seminar are a great example of what can be done to achieve that. Sara Althabhaney: We should have diversity everywhere, at all levels. It’s important to have diversity represented in key roles such as teachers and doctors, so that people from diverse backgrounds are included and welcomed in all levels of Panel: society.  Gerard Mc Garry, representative of Carol Baxter: Personal stories are Ballyhaunis Community important and help to change attitudes.  Anastasia Crickley, Former Chair of Information is key, and personal and UN Committee for Elimination of social gain from immigration should be Racial Discrimination (CERD) and valued. Social media is a driver of former Head of Department Applied attitudes. The Minister for Justice and Social Studies, co-founder Pavee Equality is going to launch a consultation Point and founding member of on hate speech and hate crime with a view Migrants Rights Centre Ireland. to strengthening the law in these areas,  Sara Althabhaney, resident of the Old and is also planning to establish a new Convent Direct Provision Centre. Committee to advise the Government on  Carol Baxter, Assistant Secretary, effective ways to tackle racism. Head of Civil Justice Policy, Department of Justice and Equality.  Bairbre Nic Aongusa, Assistant Gerard Mc Garry: Information and Secretary, Head of Community communication are crucial. Development Division, Department of Anastasia Crickley: On an individual level, Rural and Community Development. people should have a chance to unpack Maria Mc Hale: What would you say to an and process their fears. One way to indigenous Irish person who would feel engage with people who are threatened by threatened by diversity? diversity would be to ask them if they’ve ever met anyone from a diverse Bairbre Nic Aongusa: When people feel background, and where are they getting threatened it’s because people are fearful their information from. This should be a of the unknown. Days like the Integration gentle process at an individual level, and it Seminar bring people together and helps is important not to let it go, but to address people to mitigate the fear of the unknown. it if you come up against fear. Those communities who are fearful of diversity could come and visit places like

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

On an organisational level, there is now an they want to. Collaborative effort is initiative to create pathways to teaching for needed between governmental people from a variety of diverse departments, local authorities and local backgrounds, including Travellers. It is organisations. Resources provided should also important to create conditions for be mindful of the process not just the stories to be heard and information to be outcome. shared in the official networks so that people have more information. Stories such as Seán Óg Ó hAilpín’s are hugely important because they are positive and show a different angle to the issue. Initiatives such as the consultation on hate speech is an essential part of this plan, because hate speech informs beliefs and irrational fears. Local and national politicians using hate speech is especially insidious, and there is a protocol for politicians at times of election here in Ireland, so hopefully it will be used to address this issue. Bairbre Nic Aongusa: One approach could Maria Mc Hale: How can fears be allayed be to create a new community that through shared stories? everyone can have ownership of. This Veronica Crosbie: Reciprocity is key in the would involve collaboration between process. In the Mellie storytelling project community workers, local development the goal was not to welcome refugees in groups, PPN’s, and local community to tell their stories, it was to share stories groups to get together and empower together on an equal basis. It’s important communities, identify their needs and work that there should be equal respect for one out a new vision for their community. If another, and there should be no sense of everyone has a stake and ownership over ‘charity’, because all our stories are the community, it’s better for everyone. valuable. The Mellie project represents a Anne Cunnane: The fear factor can small way to initiate the process, it is a sometimes be there when working with place to start. new communities. The Brazilians are a Maria Mc Hale: What can community new community in Ballyhaunis and there development do to bring different was a sense of fear to begin with, because communities together in places like they were unknown. However, when they Ballyhaunis? were approached to take part in the Anastasia Crickley: It shouldn’t be about survey, the community were warm and asking ‘them’ to join ‘us’ – it’s about all of welcoming. Members of new communities ‘us’ having the right to create the are invited to take part in organising community. This work needs support and events in Ballyhaunis, sharing their culture resources, such as those provided by and contributing ideas to the Chamber of SICAP and Pobal. The local Mayo South Commerce. There seems to be a lack of West partnership also have done great communication between the Chamber of work in this area. Communities are diverse Commerce and new communities, and the even if it’s not always visible, and we current methods of outreach are not as should try to create conditions where effective as they could be. The Chamber everyone can participate to the extent that of Commerce has been working closely

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

with Mayo County Council in recent resources and an active manufacturing months to share information, and to industry, and state-of-the-art sports develop a ‘One Stop Shop’ in the town facilities. Ballyhaunis is both global and where new people and tourists can access local. The people of Ballyhaunis are proud information about services in Ballyhaunis of who they are, but they are not and the Mayo area. A Community exclusive. Everybody should be included Development worker would be needed to and respected in the community. help run this office, and members of the Ballyhaunis has a social and community diverse communities would also be invited export which can benefit other parts of the to help run it. world, by showing them what can be done in diverse small towns. There is much Maria Mc Hale: Opening now to comments work to do, but the collaboration and from the floor. support of different departments will help the work to continue. Kevin Mc Hugh, cultural planner with Sport against Racism: The use of the term tolerance is problematic, the focus should be on tackling intolerance instead. It is Peter Hynes essential that Direct Provision centres Chief Executive, Mayo County Council around Ireland are closed down, and Ballyhaunis is a great example of how intercultural towns can be a success. The Integration seminar has been an Equally important is the need for hate excellent example of productive crime legislation in Ireland. collaboration between government Imran Sher Rafique: The Irish have a departments. Collaboration is not always history of being the oppressed, and have the norm in government, and this working not always been the oppressor, so they relationship is something to be noted and have a different perspective to other celebrated. Also, the involvement of Mayo countries. Racism exists in a vacuum of County Council, the GAA and the knowledge and information, and the Chamber of Commerce has helped to Muslim community have been around long make the seminar a great success. The enough in Ballyhaunis that the onus is GAA is hugely important in terms of now on them to explain more about their bringing people together in the community. faith to others. In the absence of this, Ballyhaunis is the leading light, showing misinformation and fear can grow. This an example of where other towns need to communication should be happening in be going. two directions, and initiatives could be The role of Mayo County Council is to developed in the future which support that. push all aspects of development in this county, and to help build a ‘sustainable, inclusive and proud’ Mayo. In 1841 the Closing Statements population of Mayo was bigger than the Gerard Mc Garry population of , and 60% of the population has been lost since then. Representative of Ballyhaunis Community New people are needed to bring diversity Events like the Ballyhaunis Integration and skills to the county, which will help Seminar help to create an intercultural Mayo deal with the many challenges that community. Ballyhaunis can be an the future will hold such as women’s example to the world, it has the human leadership, climate change and Brexit.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

2. Activities implemented by local organisations

A variety of voluntary community  Sponsored outing for people living intercultural activities take place in in Direct Provision by coach to Ballyhaunis, and many of which are GAA Stadium in Dublin for All- initiated by people from a migrant Ireland final background. These initiatives have  Migrant membership of Gaelic included cultural exhibitions and Athletic Association [G.A.A]: performance, sports, arts and crafts. traditional Irish sports. Below are some examples of the initiatives  GAA Global Cup. Teams and events which have taken place in representative of the Ballyhaunis Ballyhaunis to date. Migrants contributed diversity compete in an inter- to and participated in all of the below national tournament playing activities, and all have been achieved by traditional Irish games. Each team voluntary unfunded community action. formed of 7 White Irish and 8 of Information and notices for events are ethnic origin. issued in at least 10 languages and  The initial organised activity was migrants are invited to participate in an inter-faith pilgrimage to a management. The successful integration traditional holy well. in Ballyhaunis achieved three national  The GAA followed with a series of awards for community development and high-profile ‘Integration Days’: gained international recognition from the Migrant participation was 50%. Guardian Documentary, ‘Pitching Up’.

 Irish Cultural and Heritage performances which are a major attraction for migrants who confirm a strong interest in

and tradition. At a recent culture night among the 700-capacity attendance were 500 migrants.  Arts and Crafts activities which are common to all cultures.  Street festivals with migrant participation and sale of ethnic foods  Sports, table- clubs majority migrants.  Community games.  Annual pattern: traditional games and community celebration.  Language Café: Group meet weekly to learn and exchange from the variety of languages spoken in

Ballyhaunis  Social: Christmas parties, frequent community events.

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3. Centre for Migration and Intercultural Engagement Rationale

Training and Education been implemented on an ad hoc basis. Such programmes receive little guidance Current levels of diversity are at an all- through policies and do not benefit from time high in Ireland. As detailed in the expertise and qualified guidance. In most recent results from the 2016 census, addition, with few mechanisms for there were 535,475 non-Irish nationals monitoring and evaluating the success of resident in Ireland coming from 200 extant initiatives, opportunities to record different countries, accounting for 11.6% and to build on good practice are lost of the total population. Indeed, the levels (McGarry, 2015). of cultural diversity in Ireland are perhaps more accurately captured by the fact that The challenge of developing and 612,018 people speak a language other negotiating an inclusive open intercultural than English and Irish at home (CSO, society that capitalises on the benefits of 2017). This increase in levels of diversity migration, enhancing opportunities for at once represents a societal opportunity both migrants and nationals is an elusive while presenting a number of challenges. task and one that is in need of particular Immigrants typically bring a new range of attention. talents and capabilities to society, Proposal for Centre for Migration and providing new and valuable perspectives. Intercultural Engagement However, the challenge of developing and negotiating an inclusive open intercultural A group of people from Ballyhaunis have society that capitalises on the benefits of carried out research and a needs analysis migration, enhancing opportunities for around how best to capitalise on both migrants and nationals is an elusive Ballyhaunis’ unique demographic mix. task and one that is in need of particular This research, along with a proposal for a attention (McGarry, 2016). Centre for Migration and Intercultural Engagement is detailed below. This Contemporary approaches to developing proposal was not discussed at the an inclusive intercultural society in Ireland seminar, however it provides a tangible are hampered by a number of example of an initiative that could have deficiencies. There is little public positive benefits for Ballyhaunis and the awareness of the potential of migration to wider Connaught region. bring fresh outlooks and opportunities to Irish society. Current migration policies in Migration is often depicted as an urban Ireland predominantly focus on entry to based phenomenon, however patterns of the country and access to social benefits, migration in Ireland have seen more while the effect of migration on particular pronounced regional distributions. A large sectors of the economy is measured and proportion of migrants in Ireland have regulated through visa quotas. Much less settled in less concentrated medium to attention is paid to the long term social large towns and smaller urban centres. and cultural impact of migration and its This is especially true in Connacht, the long-term influence on Irish society. While region containing the most diverse town a number of grassroots initiatives across (Ballyhaunis) and the most diverse city the country have embarked on successful (Galway) in Ireland (CSO, 2017). programmes of integration and intercultural engagement, these have

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Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

In the face of ongoing rural decline, these between theoretical approaches to growing levels of migration and diversity migration and intercultural engagement offer unique and valuable opportunities for with policy development and practical community based regional development. application. Courses will be offered at a range of levels attracting students of The proposed Centre for Migration and diverse backgrounds: Intercultural Engagement will engage with these issues, supporting regional Professional Diploma in Intercultural development while re-conceptualizing how practice migration and diversity are valued and A practically based diploma tailored to the addressed at all levels of Irish society. needs of professionals engaged in This will be achieved by promoting intercultural work environments. While excellence in teaching and research on an theoretical aspects of intercultural issue of critical national and global engagement and diversity will be covered, importance, as well as addressing and practical learning around areas of cultural stimulating innovative actions in the competence will be to the forefront of this sphere of community development in programme. Connacht. B.A. Intercultural and Migration Studies The centre will combine innovative research and pedagogical approaches. It Students will be offered an opportunity to will engage in both ground-breaking engage with a range of theoretical explorative research on intercultural perspectives as well as gaining practical engagement and diversity in contemporary and applied experience over the course of Ireland and across Europe. It will also this degree. Theoretical perspectives from bring forward a number of research a range of disciplines, including sociology, initiatives to investigate and capture political science, anthropology and examples of good practice both regionally economics will ensure that students gain and across the country in keeping with an enriching educational experience. GMIT’s integrated approach to research, Practice based and applied learning will development and innovation. This cutting- be prioritized at all stages of the edge research will inform the innovative programme. and student-centred teaching curricula by M.A. Intercultural and Migration Studies a number of undergraduate and post- graduate courses which will offer students Over the course of the M.A. programme insight into both theoretical and practical students will be offered an opportunity to aspects of intercultural engagement and specialize in particular areas of interest. A diversity training. work placement will offer professional experience, while the dissertation Teaching component will provide students with The pedagogical focus of the Centre for important and valuable research Migration and Intercultural Engagement experience. addresses a gap in the third level Research unit educational field. In spite of the pivotal importance of migration and intercultural The research unit of the Centre for engagement in contemporary Irish society, Migration and Intercultural Engagement no other third level institution in Ireland will engage in cutting edge research on currently offers a dedicated degree or migration and intercultural engagement in diploma programme on this topic. The Ireland and internationally in order to centre will offer a range of courses from develop new and critical understandings. diploma to M.A. level prioritizing the links As a dedicated centre of excellence for

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

research on migration this research unit research outputs will be disseminated will be in a strong position to gain funding through mainstream media such as print through European research funding newspapers, social media platforms as schemes such as the Horizon 2020 well as through community engagement scheme. The research unit of the platforms throughout the region, as well as proposed centre will adopt a novel and in international and peer reviewed broad reaching approach to research. academic forums. In addition to this, the While much academic research has a proposed centre is committed to the limited audience, the research unit of the development of policies relating to centre will prioritize the principles of public migration and interculturalism in engagement and research application. All contemporary Ireland.

References

Central Statistics Office (2017) Census 2016 Profile 7 - Migration and Diversity. Available at: http://www.cso.ie/en/csolatestnews/presspages/2017/census2016profile7- migrationanddiversity McGarry, O. (2012) ‘“Sometimes it’s tough just fitting it all in”: Identity Formation and Social Membership among Teenagers in an Immigrant Community in the West of Ireland’ in McGarry, O. & Stasiewicz-Bieńkowska, A. (eds.) Landscapes of (Un) Belonging: Reflections on Strangeness and the Self [E-book]. Oxford: Interdisciplinary.Net Press. McGarry, O. & McGrath, B. (2013) “Identity Formation among Teenaged Members of the Muslim Population of) ‘A virtual canvas – using a blog site to explore young Muslims’ friendships, positions & identifications’. Forum for Qualitative Research, 14: 1, art. 1 McGrath, B & McGarry, O. (2014) ‘The religio-cultural dimensions of life for young Muslim women in a small Irish town’, Journal of Youth Studies, 17: 7, pp. 948-964. McGarry, O. (2014) ‘Migration, integration and activism in Ireland’. Ephemera: Theory & Politics in Organization, 14: 3, pp. 583-593. McGarry, O. (2015) ‘Learning from the Paris bloodshed – the need for an intercultural Ireland’, The Journal.ie. Issue: 18/01/2015. McGarry, O. (2015) ‘Repositioning the research encounter: Exploring power dynamics and positionality in youth research’, International Journal of Social Research Methodologies. 183, pp. 1- 16. McGarry, O. (2016): Knowing ‘how to go on’: structuration theory as an analytical prism in studies of intercultural engagement, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, 42: 12, pp. 2067- 2085 McGarry, O. (2018 forthcoming) ‘Muslim teens: Pathways to inclusion’ in Fanning, B & Michael, L. Immigrants as Outsiders in the Two Irelands. Manchester University Press. McGarry, O. (2018 forthcoming) ‘Narratives of recreation and community belonging among migrant youth’ in Moran, L., Reilly, K. & Brady, B. (eds.) Narrating Childhoods Across Contexts: Knowledge, Environment, and Relationships. Palgrave Macmillan.

Celebrating Diversity: Our Future Together

Siggins, L. (2015) ‘Research finds Irish Muslim teenagers face isolation and racism’, (17.01.2015) & Butler E. (2015) ‘GAA club’s integration policy pays off in Ireland’s most ethnically diverse town’, The Irish Times (06.06.2015)