Limerick celebration of diversity planned

Communities and groups will come together in Limerick to celebrate the city’s rich diversity of cultures this Saturday, August 10th. The Limerick Says Welcome event is organised by the Limerick Anti-Racism Network, and will take place from 12pm to 2pm at Harvey’s Quay, at the bottom of Bedford Row.

The event will be a family friendly event, with music and fun for all. Musicians and artists will perform and the public is invited to come along. 

Organisers say the aim of the event is to highlight what is great about Limerick, and to show how everyone is welcome in the city regardless of their background or nationality. It will be an opportunity for people to share stories and to meet people from different parts of the world that they might not ordinarily meet.

Limerick has benefited greatly from migration over the years. Virtually every employment sector has been boosted by the skills and experience brought by people from abroad, including many parts of Asia and Africa, as well as Europe. 

John Lannon, CEO of Limerick’s migrant support organisation Doras, said: “Since our organisation was founded 24 years ago we have seen the positive changes that newcomers have brought to Limerick, as well as the challenges they face. Many migrants choose to come to the city or county voluntarily, while others who have escaped from war and persecution have also found sanctuary here. Over the years they have all become part of the rich fabric of Limerick’s economic and social landscape.”

Organisers of Limerick Says Welcome say that the event is a reminder that everyone has the right to be treated equally, and with dignity and respect, regardless of their race, ethnicity, nationality, or class. 

Limerick Anti-Racism Network is a broad network of individuals and groups. Its aim is to help overcome all forms of discrimination, including negative attitudes to others on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity.