Residents of a Limerick city housing estate blighted by crime and drug problems have set off on a bus for France as part of an integration programme aimed at building trust in the community.
The group from St Mary's Parish is made up of children, senior citizens, local volunteers and community gardaí.
The programme, which is the brainchild of the St Mary's One Parent Family Support Group, aims to bring residents together for a week of relationship building.
A former Irish rugby international and newly elected city councillor, Mr Gerry McLoughlin, is among the party travelling to Normandy in northern France.
The week of activities was planned to coincide with the 60th anniversary commemoration ceremonies of D Day.
The trip is part of the first year of a three-year programme designed to promote social integration in the community.
The St Mary's Park area has been the subject of much media attention in recent years following problems with crime, intimidation and drugs.
Organisers hope the programme will help to rebuild a sense of community spirit, which they believe has been eroded over recent years. A positive attitude to recreation and sports among children will be promoted during the trip while anti-drug and anti-racism issues will also be raised informally.