Economic growth has significantly reduced the level of unemployment in Limerick, However the City still displays a high degree of socio-economic polarisation, which is sharply delineated in geographical terms. There are clear 'target groups' in the community who continue to suffer from disadvantage. These include lone parents, older people, long term unemployed and people with a low level of educational attainment. This polarisation represents a major constraint on the City's ability to fully realise its potential, and as such it must be of concern to all involved in the City's development. Clearly, there is a need both for enhanced measures to combat exclusion in existing target areas, as well as new responses to deal with those groups which may be more dispersed throughout the City.

In order to ensure more coherence and integration in addressing social inclusion, a Social Inclusion Measures (SIM) Working Group will operate as part of and report to the City Development Board. This SIM Working Group will have the role of Local Co-ordinator of the National Development Plan (NDP) Social Inclusion Measures. It will act as a broker/facilitator between agencies at local level and co-ordinate the delivery of all social inclusion measures in the city

Goal 12

All agencies will work together to promote Social Inclusion and substantially reduce poverty

Objective 12.1:To co-ordinate social inclusion measures
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 12.2:The Limerick City Development Board will support the implementation of the RAPID programme, and monitor its progress to ensure its successful completion
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 12.3:To facilitate community and voluntary sector involvement in the future development of the City
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 12.4:To develop a local anti poverty Strategy
Responsible Organisation: Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs

Objective 12.5:To facilitate the development of strategies and structures which will promote the participation of marginalised groups in the economic, social and cultural life of the City.
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Goal 13

Social Exclusion due to inadequate educational attainment will be reduced.

Objective 13.1:To develop creative educational strategies as an integral part of other social policy measures in order to address inequalities
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 13.2:To provide a continuum of flexible high quality learning opportunities relevant to the needs and aspirations of adult learners
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Objective 13.3:To promote equality of access participation benefit and outcome from education at all levels for learners across the social spectrum
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 13.4:To optimise participation in primary education and second level education & training
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 13.5:To encourage participation in third level education
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 13.6:To develop and support a framework for community education
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Objective 13.7:To bridge the digital divide that is increasing inequality in society
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Objective 13.8: Ensure literacy skills development is prioritised across the range of learning situations, formal/non formal
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Objective 13.9:To develop and co-ordinate an integrated adult learning strategy
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC/FAS

Objective 13.10:To provide easy access to comprehensive information on educational support services, adult learning activities and opportunities.
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC

Goal 14

All residents will have access to a range of high quality employment and training opportunities.

Objective 14.1:To significantly reduce existing levels of unemployment in the City and in the disadvantaged communities in particular.
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 14.2: To provide training opportunities for unemployed people to bring them to a level of job readiness so that they can compete successfully in the job market.
Responsible Organisation: FAS

Objective 14.3:To work with community organisations to develop employment opportunities for unemployed people in their local areas.
Responsible Organisation: FAS

Goal 15

The needs of all specific groups will be addressed

Objective 15.1:The co-ordination of suitable and targeted resources, supports and services to enhance the well being of older people in the city. Responsible Organisations: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 15.2:To ensure that Traveller Communities in the City will be supported and respected for their unique culture and heritage
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Objective 15.3: To promote equal opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in all aspects of City life.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 15.4:To ensure refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities are welcomed, supported and valued in the community
Responsible Organisation: PAUL

Goal 16

A high range of quality services will be provided.

Objective 16.1:To support vulnerable individuals/ families that reside in the City
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 16.2:To ensure all people in Limerick have access to high quality childcare services
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Objective 16.3:To maximise the use of e-government for the delivery of better services.
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board

Goal 17

Young People will be actively involved in the life of the City.

Objective 17.1:To provide a co-ordinated approach to the provision of youth services in the city.
Responsible Organisation: City of Limerick VEC/ Limerick City Development Board

Objective 17.2:To actively promote the involvement of young people in the development of the City
Responsible Organisation: Limerick City Development Board