Bairbre de Brún hails Portuguese community centre in Portadown

18 November, 2005

Bairbre de Brún MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Bairbre de Brún has today visited a Portuguese community centre on the Garvaghy Road in Portadown and said that it was a ‘welcome resource for the migrant community in the area.’

Ms de Brún had travelled to the Co Armagh town to visit the centre and was accompanied by Portuguese MEP, Miguel Portas and MLA John O’Dowd. The centre is affiliated to the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme (STEP).

Speaking from Portadown Ms de Brún said:

“In recent years the Portuguese community in Portadown, Lurgan and Craigavon has grown, with many of them seeking employment in local industries. They are now seen as integral to the local community in the
town. This centre would not be a success without support from the community on the Garvaghy Road and the surrounding areas and special mention must also go to the May Fair Business Park and the Drumcree Trust.

“This advice centre is a welcome resource for the migrant community in the area. It is never easy to leave a home country and seek employment elsewhere and this centre offers a place where people can come to receive
information on employment rights, benefits and entitlements or just to see a friendly face.

“Earlier today I attended a conference in Dublin concerning the rights and entitlements of migrants. Ireland is a diverse country and it is imperative that we extend the hand of friendship to those searching for
employment or fleeing from persecution, famine or extreme poverty. It is through centres such as these that migrant communities can feel some sense of empowerment.

“My colleague from the European Parliament Miguel Portas was extremely pleased to meet with local the local Portuguese community and listened to their hopes and concerns regarding the future.” ENDS