DescriptionThe benefits and shortfalls of contemporary global processes are evident in Ireland’s recent history, and they continue to impact all segments of Irish society. On January 3, 2009, an Irish Times editorial titled “No Time for Whingers” declared that in Ireland, “We have gone from the Celtic Tiger to an era of financial fear with the suddenness of a Titanic-style shipwreck thrown from comfort, even luxury, into a cold sea of uncertainty.” There is a saying that the market is driven by two emotions, greed and fear, and in Ireland while the Celtic Tiger flourished, greed and the desire for immediate
gratification fueled the economy. In today's economic climate fear and uncertainty abound. While acknowledging that integration and social inclusion are global issues, this project focuses on the extent of social inclusion experienced by immigrants in an Irish
community and examines the responses of the host population to the recent influx of immigrants. Social inclusion defined herein as a person’s ability to participate in community affairs, to enjoy adequate housing, employment and education. The research does not seek a scientific measurement to illustrate the extent to which social inclusion has been achieved in the area. The goal is to capture the feelings and the perceptions of the local population regarding the extent to which different segments of the population
are socially mobile.