Dublin selected for EU project promoting migrant integration and refugee support
Dublin has been selected for a major European Union project aimed at strengthening migrant integration.
Dublin City Council has been selected as one of 12 European cities to participate in the EU-funded CONSOLIDATE Project. This initiative is led by Eurocities and encourages evidence-based collaboration and a local approach to strengthen cross-cultural connection.
As part of the programme, Dublin has already hosted a delegation of leading “Integration Champions” from Ghent (Belgium), Zagreb (Croatia), and Fuenlabrada (Spain) in an intensive three-day peer review that took place from 27 to 29 May 2026. This saw the international delegation examine how the city’s departments, public services, and civil society organisations work together to support migrants and refugees .
Dublin City Council also provided a detailed self-assessment, which included independent interviews to gather on-the-ground perspectives and host collaborative workshops. These findings will then be analysed to inform practical, actionable recommendations.
The goal is to compare Dublin city’s approach against European best practice standards to identify strengths and opportunities for greater impact. A key moment in the visit was the final presentation at the Mansion House , where the visiting experts delivered their recommendations directly to senior decision-makers and local political leaders.
Lord Mayor Ray McAdam welcomed the initiative and said Dublin has been shaped by the people who came here to work and raise families. “That is why I am proud that Dublin has been selected for this important European project. It recognises the progress we have made, but it also challenges us to go further,” he said.
“My mayoral theme is Celebrating Dublin, and that means celebrating every person and every community that contributes to the life of our city. Integration is not just about services or structures.
“It is about belonging. It is about making sure that everyone who calls Dublin home feels seen, supported, respected, and able to play their full part in the civic, cultural, social, and economic life of our capital.
"By working with our European partners, we can learn from best practice, strengthen our own approach, and deliver real, practical outcomes for communities across Dublin. This project is an opportunity to build a more inclusive city, a more connected city, and a stronger Dublin for all.”
Integration Support Coordinator with Dublin City Council Reuben Hambakachere also stressed the value of the CONSOLIDATE project, which he said “gain fresh perspectives from cities facing similar challenges” related to integration. “By aligning with European best practice, we are ensuring Dublin continues to be a welcoming, inclusive, and well-coordinated city for all,” he said.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme