Immigrants are being encouraged to get involved in their local communities and in political life.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland is holding a series of one-stop-shop events so people can access information on becoming a citizen, registering to vote and volunteering in their local communities.

Immigrants make up around 17% of Irish society.

One of the events is being held in Blanchardstown in Dublin today – one of ten taking place across the country between now and April next year.

The Council will offer advice and provide help with filling out forms, while community groups will also attend and encourage people to get involved in local life.

Integration Coordinator is Teresa Buczkowska: “When it comes to local communities any sort of communication between the local community and new community is very much welcome and this is the core of integration when people are getting together and talking, working together, this is what integration is about.”