Ballyhoura Development CLG officially launched MAP Ireland – Migrant Apprenticeship Pathways at the Charleville Park Hotel on Wednesday, 25 February, with Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Niall Collins TD, marking the rollout of the initiative.

MAP Ireland represents a significant step in supporting migrant communities to access apprenticeships, employment pathways and progression opportunities, particularly in rural regions.

The launch marks the expansion of MAP Ireland across the Ballyhoura Development and IRD Duhallow regions of Cork, Limerick and Kerry, alongside a national online focus to ensure wider accessibility. IRD Duhallow attended the launch as a key delivery partner.

“MAP Ireland is about opening real and practical pathways into apprenticeships and employment for migrant communities, particularly in rural areas where access can often be more limited. By combining skills development with employer engagement, we are creating structured, supported routes into the workforce that benefit both individuals and local economies.” said Karyna Airapetova of Ballyhoura Development CLG.

"IRD Duhallow welcomes the MAP Project to the region as it will compliment our existing supports and help us to reach out even further to migrants across Duhallow and further afield. Through our Duhallow Skillnet we will work closely with local employers to identify where potential employment and apprenticeships exist and match participants to these employment opportunities” said Helen O’Sullivan of IRD Duhallow CLG

The programme aims to build awareness, skills and workforce participation among migrant communities, addressing barriers that can often limit access to employment and training opportunities in rural areas.

Supporting Access to Apprenticeships and Employment

MAP Ireland focuses on supporting access to:

• Apprenticeships
• Employment pathways
• Career progression opportunities

The programme provides practical, targeted supports including:

• Workplace language training
• Digital skills development
• CV preparation and interview supports
• Sector-specific orientation and training
• Engagement with employers to support inclusive recruitment and retention

By combining skills development with employer engagement, MAP Ireland seeks to strengthen inclusion in the labour market while responding to regional workforce needs.

Pádraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development CLG, speaking at the launch of the MAP Ireland project. 

Karyna Airapetova, Ballyhoura Development CLG, presenting the MAP Ireland project.

A Strong Partnership Approach

The initiative is being delivered by Ballyhoura Development CLG in partnership with IRD Duhallow, building on strong regional experience in employment activation and inclusion supports.

MAP Ireland places a strong emphasis on employer engagement, community-based supports and cross-agency collaboration to ensure inclusive and sustainable workforce participation. The programme is designed specifically with rural migrant communities in mind, recognising the additional structural and practical barriers that can arise outside urban centres.

L-R: Maura Walsh, CEO of IRD Duhallow,_Minister Niall Colins, Sargent Cathal O'Regan, Helen O'Sullivan IRD Duhallow, Dominic Cronin, IRD Duhallow

Pádraig Casey, CEO Ballyhoura Development, Minister Niall Collins, Karyna Airapetova, Development Officer at Ballyhoura Development, Eileen O'Keeffe, Manager at Ballyhoura Development

The initiative is being delivered under the Integration and Employment of Migrants Action, as part of the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021–2027, and is co-funded by the European Union (European Social Fund Plus) and the Government of Ireland / Department of Justice, Migration and Home Affairs.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Collins acknowledged the importance of supporting migrant communities in accessing opportunity and participating fully in local economies.

MAP Ireland reinforces Ballyhoura Development’s continued commitment to inclusive regional development and strengthening participation in employment and training across Cork, Limerick, and Kerry.

MAP Ireland Project

The project is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.