Local Strategies
Local Anti- Racism and Diversity Plans (ARD Plans) / Integration Plans
What is an ARD Plan?
The importance communities play in promoting integration cannot be overestimated. Under the National Action Plan Against Racism 2005-2008, funding was provided to a number of Local Authorities towards the development of Anti-Racism and Diversity Plans (ARDs).The purpose of the ARD Plans was to foster a coordinated approach at local city/ county level towards the planning, development and implementation of anti-racism and integration strategies. The importance of allowing adequate flexibility to suit local circumstances was stressed. A partnership approach was encouraged in that local authorities, key service providers, local development agencies, and community groups representing and working with minority ethnic groups, social partner bodies should be involved in the steering group and should have a role in developing and implementing such plans.
Who has developed ARD Plans?
A number of 'Anti - Racism and Diversity’ plans have been developed. aaGalway City Development Board was the first to develop such a plan. Galway's plan is called Towards a City of Equals. aaGalway City Council is currently developing Phase 2 of the City's Anti - Racism Strategy and is being supported by the Galway City Development Board. Phase two of the of the City's Anti - Racism Strategy aims to build structures of communication and dialogue to support relationships amongst communities, institutions and organisations in the city. For more information on Phase 2 of the Strategy please click here.An ARD plan has also been completed by the Roscommon County Development Board and Action Strategies have been developed by the Dublin Inner City Partnership and Fingal County Council. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council launched their Anti-Racism and Diversity Plan on August 22nd 2007 to coincide with the Festival of World Cultures. Louth County Council launched their Plan in November 2007 during Anti–Racist Workplace Week 2007.
More recent Local Authority Plans are now termed Integration Plans. As racism is a major barrier to integration, anti-racism will remain a focus in these integration plans.
Longford’s Intercultural Strategic Plan 2008–2011 was launched in March 2008. It is Longford's aim to make a coherent, collaborative and inclusive response to the needs of the increasing cultural diversity of its population.
In May 2008, Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan T.D., launched "Towards Integration: A City Framework” which is the policy statement on integration for Dublin City. This Integration Plan was published by the Dublin City Development Board and led by Dublin City Council. The new policy framework outlines the context of migration and settlement patterns in the city for the first time. It communicates vision, principles and a strong message of commitment to integration at city level from state, local government, business and social partners.
Wicklow Local Authorities launched "Recipe for Harmony: an Anti-Racism and Diversity Strategy for Wicklow, 2009-2011" in October 2009.
Minister for Integration John Curran T.D., launched Integrating Limerick, Limerick City & County Integration Plan 2010 - 2012 on 5th March, 2010.
List of Local Authorities A list of Local Authorities in Ireland is available on the website of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Please see the funding section of our website for details of funding granted to Local Authorities for integration related activities.
^ Back to top
