Limerick forum hears call for united action against poverty and inequality
Limerick forum hears call for united action against poverty and inequality
Monday, 02 November 2026: Poverty is not inevitable and local communities have a vital role in challenging what sustain it, a Limerick Diocesan forum on poverty heard last week to mark the upcoming the tenth World Day of the Poor on November 15th.
The gathering, held at the Diocesan Centre in Corbally on Wednesday, brought together over organisations and individuals engaged in social outreach, action and research across the region, with keynote speaker, Askeaton native Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland.
Organised by Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy, it marked the 10th World Day of the Poor, an annual Day launched by Pope Francis but was also an opportunity to, as Bishop Leahy stated, to recognise the service of the disadvantaged in our society carried out by the organisations who provide essential supports.
Opening the event, Bishop Leahy said that while Limerick has great resilience, creativity and community spirit in its DNA, we must not overlook the fact that it has significant unaddressed social inequalities.
"There are multiple forms of economic and social impoverishment, reflecting the spread of inequality even if there is a growing affluence," he said.
"It is sad to think with such affluence around us that we continue to have the level of disadvantage we have today in Limerick. Yes, strides have been made but far too many people continue to live here recognised disadvantage.
"It is, therefore, incumbent on us to gather in a forum like this and to restate our commitment to helping the poor, here at home and beyond.
"The continuing work of local organisations, communities and volunteers offers hope and practical support to those most at risk. I thank you sincerely for that. Your work, too, is changing history day by day, the history of the lives of many individuals but also that of society. That should not be underestimated.
"It is easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day humdrum and even become isolated, but it is good and puts fresh heart into life to recognise again that your role is important and that you are not on your own. It makes a difference."
Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy thanked those working with people experiencing disadvantage and reflected on the many forms poverty can take, including material, social, cultural, digital, fuel and housing poverty.
"You reach out in different ways to the different forms of poverty in our society," Bishop Leahy said. "As such you are tiles in an amazing mosaic of compassion and outreach."
Mr Clarken said poverty and inequality were global challenges with a direct local relevance. He highlighted Oxfam's work in humanitarian response, long-term development and advocacy, and stressed the importance of community-led action.
"The world isn't poor; the way we distribute things in the world is where the problem is," he said. "Those global inequality figures can seem very big and distant, but it is very much a real situation here."
He pointed to the intersectional nature of poverty, which can be experienced through homelessness, exclusion, inadequate access to services, gender inequality and digital disadvantage, among other pressures. He also warned of the effects of widening inequality, conflict, climate change and harmful online discourse.
Mr Clarken encouraged organisations to share expertise, evidence and experience, and to amplify the voices of people whose perspectives are too often excluded from decision-making.
"The reach of this room is very substantial," he said. "There are a lot of people who cross your threshold, who you engage with and care about. That is a big and important body of people that can have an influence."
While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, he urged those present not to lose hope. "The vast majority of humanity believes in decency and believes in fairness," he said. "We need to be better at coming together, be a bit more energised about that, and keep moving forward."