Louth people urged to view and share video celebrating migrants in Ireland

ActionAid Ireland has appealed to the people of Louth to share a powerful new video, "Together, we are stronger," highlighting the stories of migrants in Ireland and "their crucial role in making the country a better place for all". 

Inspired by work ActionAid Ireland does with women living in Direct Provision who have reported increased racism and discrimination, the video is a heartwarming tribute to the migrants who have come to Ireland in search of safety, security, and a brighter future for themselves and their families.

43 people from all over the world, now living in Ireland, contributed to the video shot against the picturesque backdrop of Russborough House and Park in Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

It features a moving rendition of the classic Irish song "Danny Boy," performed by talented artists Toshiìn, Jess Kav, and Róisín El Cherif. The recording, produced by Will Farrell at Blast Audio in Dublin, sets the perfect tone for this touching film.

“Together, we are stronger,” captures both the beauty of Ireland and its spirit of community and solidarity in light of rising anti-migrant protests across the country, and the increased negative attention migration is getting from a cohort of the Irish population.

A 2024 report by the Economic and Social Research Institute found whilst attitudes towards migration remain largely positive in Ireland, there has been a sharp rise in the proportion of people who say immigration is one of the top two most important issues facing ‘Ireland’, from 3 per cent in June 2022 to 14 per cent in June 2023.

Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland said: “This is an uplifting video which shows the positive contribution of migrants to Ireland and we are encouraging people – including the people of Louth – to watch and share.

“Since 2016, we have been working with women in Direct Provision, many of whom have fled war, violence and discrimination. They find themselves in an unfair system of Direct Provision, where they already experience marginalization and poverty, and now increasing racism.

"Yet, they like other migrants, have so much to offer Ireland. We know from recent research that the vast majority of Irish people support immigration, but a vocal minority are promoting hate against migrants. This video is firstly a tribute to migrants and all they bring, but also a testimony to the majority’s feelings of people in Ireland." 

Janet – one of the contributors to the video said: “I wanted to be part of this video because my experience of living in Ireland has been generally really positive. People have been kind and welcoming but what I am seeing in the news now more and more is scaring me. I don’t want hate to become normal here.” 

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/tpBe8GcklBQ