The Minister of State at the Department of Transport joined the National Transport Authority (NTA), in partnership with the Immigrant Council of Ireland (ICI), to launch its annual anti-racism campaign. The theme of this year’s campaign is “We’re for what unites us”, which promotes the message that public transport is for everyone. 

The campaign continues to celebrate the growing diversity within Ireland’s public transport services and aims to ensure people of all backgrounds, cultures and beliefs, such as resident third-country nationals (TCNs), are treated with the respect they deserve. Highlighting the importance of acknowledging and eradicating all forms of racism, Brian Killoran, CEO of the Immigrant Council of Ireland, said: “Racism can take many forms. It can take on a threatening, abusive or insulting nature, but can also be more subtle. Both can be equally as damaging to those who experience it... it can happen anywhere, including work, school, in or near your home, on public transport or in the street".

The NTA brought together 16 people from different backgrounds to create a special illustration which was then painted as a mural in Dublin. The illustration will also be visible on-board public transport vehicles, across social media, digi-shelters and more.  

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, Minister of State at the Department of Transport and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications Jack Chambers said: “Ireland is renowned worldwide for our welcoming nature and hospitality, and as our society becomes more diverse and multicultural this is more important than ever. This awareness campaign is about us being respectful and welcoming to all on our transport network throughout the towns and villages up and down the country, and in our daily lives. This campaign sends a powerful message that racism is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any form on our buses, trains and across all public transport.”