This story was first published on March 31^st, 2008.

Ballymun Intercultural Group (BIG) launch report on Immigrant Communities in Ballymun

On the 11th March, 2008, Ballymun Intercultural Group (BIG) launched a research based study on the experiences of the migrant community in Ballymun. The study Issues Challenges and Opportunities faced by Immigrant Communities and Services Providers in Ballymun and Surroundings Areas researched by Helen Fitzgerald, is the first study of its nature in Ballymun addressing issues facing members of minority ethnic groups from the immigrant community.

The study showed that the immigrant community represents 7% of the population of the area. This is lower than the national average, which according to the recent figures from the CSO stands at 10%. The study reports that the experience of the immigrant community accessing services in Ballymun is largely positive as is their experience of living in Ballymun and Dublin.

The study was commissioned by Ballymun Intercultural Group (BIG), whose aim was to provide an overview of the immigrant communities in Ballymun. The specific objectives of the research were to provide an opportunity to share information about initiatives currently happening in support of immigrant groups, to carry out research into the changing landscape of Ballymun using existing local and national trends and data sources, to explore the needs of service providers in delivering services to immigrant groups; to explore the experience of immigrant groups in accessing local services that might inform local policy and practice and looking forward to present recommendations that assist Ballymun Intercultural Group and service providers to enhance their services and develop appropriate supports.

The research focused on the immigrant population and service providers of Dublin 9 and 11. A combination of techniques both quantitative and qualitative was used in the study. Primary research was undertaken over a four month period from June to early September 2007 and included surveys of members of immigrant communities living in Ballymun in Focus Groups. This is the first publication from the group and hope it will encourage service providers and community organisations in Ballymun make minor alterations to their provision to ensure Ballymun is as inclusive as it can be.

The report makes a number of key recommendations for supporting Immigrant Communities. These are the Provision of Information for both the immigrant community and service providers; Provision of Language Supports in ongoing, flexible, affordable and accessible English language classes, establish a Drop-in Clinic and the need to recognise the educational and training qualifications of migrants.

Speaking at the launch Ann Scully, (pictured right, extreme left) spokesperson for BIG from Mercy Justice said In this time of regeneration in Ballymun, this report and its recommendations provides a perfect opportunity to learn form other areas and plan services in the community to support and develop positive integration.

Pictured Right: Ann Scully (spokesperson for BIG from Mercy Justice), Helen Fitzgerald (report researcher), Philip Watt (NCCRI), Ciaran Muray (Ballymun Regeneration Ltd.) & Mirn Cuirein (Ballumun Partnership).

Philip Watt, Director of the National Consultative Committee Against Racism (pictured right) said work of this calibre can only be of benefit to Ballymun so that it can plan effectively with reference sites of good examples of integration.

Ciaran Murray, CEO of Ballymun Regeneration Limited (pictured left) said when developing the master plan- Ireland was very different and who would have thought that in 2008 7% of the population of Ballymun are born outside of Ireland. Ballymun and BRL are keen to embrace this diversity and see this as an opportunity.

Ballymun has undergone significant changes in recent years and many new people are now arriving into Ballymun for employment, housing, retail and social purposes. Ballymun is also experiencing an increase in ethnic diversity for the first time. The relatively recent availability of private rental accommodation in Ballymun, coupled with the increase in employment opportunities in the local area has attracted an increasingly diverse range of people to Ballymun in recent years. It was for these reasons that Ballymun Intercultural Group commissioned this research; to find out what are the needs and experiences of the immigrant population in Ballymun in relation to accessing services and supports, what are the needs and experiences of service providers and how can both be supported in the future.

The vast majority of survey respondents [79%] moved to Ballymun in the last two years. 90% of survey respondents were aged between 20 and 44 years of age. Over two thirds reported that they had an education or training qualification of some level, and for at least half of whom their qualification was at a Diploma, Certificate, Degree or higher level. The study concluded that language and communication was by far the most common challenge reported by service providers.

BIG is a network of community organisations and residents that first came together over four years ago when the first members of immigrant communities began settling in Ballymun. BIG developed organically within a community that has a rich and vibrant history. It has developed over the past number of years and has organised training for community groups, organised themed meetings for members of the migrant community, hosted numerous coffee morning with wide and varied speakers relating a broad number of issues. The group has marked National and European campaigns with local activities on a regular basis and has held intercultural events.

A number of the recommendations included in the study are already being facilitated by BIG, notably the Job Centre who host a member of the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) to hold a clinic on behalf of BIG every Monday.

(Report available from the Publicatios & the Downloads Sections of this web site)