People from around the world who have come to live in Dublin city will now find it easier to access key services. This is thanks to a new map and services directory, which President Mary McAlesse launches at 11.30am on Wednesday 8th April at City Hall, Dame Street. Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne will also attend the launch.

The project is an initiative of Dublin City Public Libraries and the Citizens Information Service (CIS). It includes information and contact details of things like migrant organisations and will also help with accessing employment, local authority, education and social welfare services. It’s the first time that the contact details of all community groups representing migrant communities have been brought together in one source.

President McAlesse explains why this initiative is so important, “This Directory will provide invaluable assistance to members of Ireland’s new communities in settling here, whether they intend to put down permanent roots, or will be with us for a shorter time, the Directory will help their transition into Irish society and will therefore play an important role in their social integration."

According to Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne, "We are experiencing very difficult economic times globally and people are not coming to Ireland in anything like the numbers they once were. However, many of the people who came here from all over the world have made a home here and intend to stay. Now, more than ever, we need to promote integration in our city. This project is a valuable inclusion measure, which will help migrants access a whole range of services and also help them integrate into the community. The project was researched over three years and the final product is a mine of useful information for our new communities. I would like to congratulate Dublin City Public Libraries and the Citizens Information Service on this very special initiative."

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