Longford's Intercultural Strategic Plan
Longford's Intercultural Strategic Plan 2008 - 2011 is the first attempt by the county to make a coherent, collaborative and inclusive response to the needs of the increasing cultural diversity of its population.
Longford has long been a culturally diverse county, with the 2nd highest Traveller population per head of both counties and towns in Ireland, and with a significant African community. The accession of 10 countries from the European Union on 1 May 2004 has resulted in significant numbers of East Europeans coming to Ireland, and Longford has largely followed national patterns in terms of the nationalities that have come to the county.
There are also a number of asylum seekers and refugees in County Longford, mostly in Longford Town. There is a 'direct provision' hostel for asylum seekers in Longford Town, housing people (95% male) from around the world. The availability of affordable housing in the county has resulted in many refugees staying in the county after being granted their refugee status.
There were four key partners involved in leading the strategic plan:
Three of the partners – LCRL, Longford Women’s Link and the EDI Centre – successfully applied to Pobal, under the Fund for the Integration of Legally Resident Immigrants, to develop Longford’s Intercultural Strategic Plan. We hope that you will support and endorse this plan and that together we can achieve a vibrant, tolerant and inclusive community for all who live, work and visit Longford.
The full Intercultural Strategic Plan is available from the links below:
Intercultural Strategic Plan - English Version.
Intercultural Strategic Plan - Polish Version
Intercultural Strategic Plan - Russain version
