Galway’s community sector is urging Galway City Council to take a proactive stance against racism and discrimination. The call comes in advance of an anti-racism march set to take place in the city on Saturday, March 22.
The march, organised by Galway Communities Against Racism and Discrimination (GCARD ), coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. It will commence at 2pm from Galway Cathedral and conclude with a rally at the Spanish Arch, where human rights activist and former MP Bernadette McAliskey will be the keynote speaker.
A city without an 'intercultural strategy'
“Galway is the most diverse city in Ireland,” says Brian Doherty of Galway City Community Network (GCCN ). “Yet it lacks an intercultural strategy or an intercultural centre. We are calling on Galway City Council to make this an absolute priority. Such a strategy requires all stakeholders to work together so that we are all pulling in the same direction.”
Doherty, Development Coordinator with GCCN, represents a broad coalition of community and voluntary groups. He stresses that many of these organisations encounter racism and discrimination first-hand.
Challenging anti-Traveller racism
Nora Corcoran of the Galway Traveller Movement (GTM ) highlights the persistent discrimination against Travellers. “Anti-Traveller racism remains one of the last widely accepted forms of discrimination in Ireland. Travellers face some of the highest levels of prejudice of any ethnic minority, and too often, this racism goes unchallenged.”
“We will not stay silent. We will continue to call out and challenge racism in all its forms—whether it’s in politics, the media, public services, or everyday life. This is not just our fight; it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Corcoran, who will be speaking at the march, stresses the need for tangible action. “It’s not enough for politicians to acknowledge discrimination. We need allies to stand with us, speak up, challenge harmful stereotypes, and demand real change. Silence allows racism to thrive. We will not allow that to happen.”
Difficulties facing asylum seekers
Amina Mohamoud, New Arrivals Support Worker at Galway City Partnership, works with asylum seekers across the city and county. She describes the challenges faced by those in Direct Provision and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP ) centres.
“There are about 25 International Protection (IP ) centres—19 in the city and six in the county—housing around 1,127 International Protection applicants in Galway city and 167 in the county. BOTP numbers are approximately 570 in the city and 1,040 in the county,” Mohamoud explains.
“Besides being suddenly moved, people are stuck waiting for decisions, unable to make plans or live freely. Their lives are put on hold, with little control over their future.” She believes a coherent intercultural strategy would provide asylum seekers with a greater role in the community and local economy, benefitting everyone.
A call for strategic action
Brian Doherty of GCCN emphasises that the needs of Travellers, asylum seekers, and ethnic minorities in Galway could be better addressed with a strategic approach. “It is time for the council to make this an urgent priority, as we have been waiting years for an intercultural strategy.”
Doherty is urging all those who oppose racism and discrimination to support the march and rally. Other speakers at the event on March 22, include Esther Osayimwen from Shining Light/Migrant-Refugee Voice, Fionnuala Doyle-Wade from the Community Action Tenants Union (CATU ), and disability activist Emma Ward.
