Difficulty understanding the English language appears to be one of the biggest obstacles to the integration of non-Irish nationals, focus group research supported by the National Action Plan Against Racism (NPAR) has found.
The research, carried out on behalf of a steering committee set up to develop an anti-racism and diversity (ARD) plan for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, also identified what it called a "hidden population" within ethnic minority communities which may find it more difficult to integrate.
Respondents said difficulties with the English language presented a significant barrier, noting problems linked to basic understanding and misinterpretation. They called for increased provision of free or affordable adult English-language classes through the local VEC system.
A number of respondents raised the issue of interacting with authorities, with some saying they were distrustful of authority in Ireland, avoiding it where possible.
Feedback indicated that in some cases a "hidden population" may initially prefer to interact with ethnic minorities instead of those they perceive to be in authority.
More than 80 people from 23 different ethnic minorities participated in the focus groups.
"We must reach out to the 'hidden population' which have not and cannot yet integrate," said Lucy Gaffney, chair of NPAR's steering committee, adding that the implementation of ARD plans by local authorities throughout the country forms an important part of NPAR strategy.
The ARD plans are designed to help local authorities, key public service providers and development bodies ensure local policies and services are inclusive of the whole community, including those from new and existing ethnic and cultural minorities. The State's first ARD plan was introduced in Galway last year.
The NPAR has provided funding for the development of similar projects in Dublin inner city, Fingal, Roscommon and Louth. All four plans are expected to be launched before the end of the year.
"The objectives of the plan are to break down barriers. If we are to live together as one community, one county or one nation - no matter our various differences - we must remove the everyday barriers to integration, whether they are language, cultural misunderstandings, fear or shyness," Ms Gaffney said.
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown plan includes measures to facilitate learning and educational opportunities for ethnic minorities in the area with an emphasis on English-language provision.
Itayi Viriri, a member of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown ARD plan steering committee, said the project was a "positive step".
"Looking at how much Ireland has changed in the last 10 years, it's important to ensure new communities are catered for in terms of service provision and also to make sure they feel part of the wider community," said Mr Viriri, who moved to Ireland six years ago after fleeing Zimbabwe.
Council cathaoirleach Denis O'Callaghan said he hoped the three-year plan would build on existing local efforts to assist the area's 18,000 newcomers.