In recognition of Ireland’s changing cultural landscape, the Community Connection Project (CCP) aims to tackle the challenges and concerns of migrant integration locally.  

Key to this is the Community Link Worker, whose primary role is to engage with residents already living in the local community, rather than providing services and supports directly to International Protection Applicants (IPAs). 

The Community Link Worker builds connections between local communities and new arrivals to Laois, by tackling potential misunderstandings between the different groups while challenging prejudices. 

Focusing on community development and inclusion, the Community Link Worker addresses the concerns of communities and assists them in developing constructive responses to the numbers of IPAs in the county. This enables everyone to understand the facts and realities of the International Protection System and the challenges faced by people seeking asylum, while also recognising the needs of the native population. 

This project is overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development, with the aim of informing future policy decisions on community-led approaches to integration challenges. 

For more information on the Community Link programme, call 05786 61900 or email [email protected]. Learn more about our Social Inclusion programmes.