Originally published in The Munster Express on 6 January 2026.
Author: Dylan Flanagan.
Source: https://www.munster-express.ie/
By Dylan Flanagan
Immigration has dominated public discourse in Ireland in recent years. Public opinion often appears conflicted, shaped by anti-immigration protests and changing government policies—such as the recent decision to extend the waiting period for refugees to apply for citizenship to five years, introduced by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Yet beyond national debates, local communities across Ireland are quietly flourishing through migration. In Waterford, one organisation is helping to show how immigration can strengthen social bonds, cultural life, and community participation.
I recently spoke with Csilla Czelvikker, Founder and Chairperson of Waterford New Communities Network (WNCN), to learn how immigrants and citizens of all backgrounds are working together to revitalise Waterford.
The Inspiration Behind Waterford New Communities Network
Csilla’s motivation for founding WNCN comes from both personal experience and a lifelong commitment to education and community development.
“More than 25 years ago, when I first moved from Hungary to Canada and later to New Zealand, I naturally gravitated towards local Hungarian communities,” she explained. “Helping people stay connected to their culture has always been important to me.”
Csilla moved to Ireland in 2007 and later relocated with her family to Waterford in 2018. As a bilingual household, preserving Hungarian language and culture for her children was a priority. This led her to establish the Waterford Hungarian Cultural Organisation and a Saturday school for Hungarian children.
“My earliest motivation was simply to support my own community and give my children the chance to grow up confident in both cultures,” she said.
Everything shifted when she began working with other migrant communities—particularly through organising A Slice of Culture, Waterford’s multicultural festival.
“I found myself collaborating with migrants from many countries, languages, and ethnic backgrounds. Although our cultures were different, our experiences were remarkably similar. We all needed connection, visibility, and a sense of belonging.”
Through her volunteer work with the Waterford Public Participation Network (PPN), the Migrant Integration Strategy implementation team, and the Migrant Integration Forum, Csilla saw both the strengths and limits of top-down approaches to integration.
“It became clear that a new, community-led model was needed,” she said. “That’s how Waterford New Communities Network emerged—from lived experience, partnerships, and a shared desire for migrant communities to have a united voice.”
What Does Waterford New Communities Network Do?
WNCN operates as an umbrella organisation bringing together migrant groups, community leaders, and individuals who now call Waterford home.
“We are a migrant-led advocacy and representative body—something that would benefit every county in Ireland,” Csilla explained.
She emphasised that meaningful inclusion requires more than symbolic representation.
“When public bodies seek migrant voices on committees or boards, they must identify people based on experience, skills, and lived knowledge. Strengthening participation means actively reaching out to those who already hold trust and leadership within their communities.”
WNCN focuses on empowerment, collaboration, and participation rather than duplicating existing services. Its initiatives include:
- A Slice of Culture – Waterford’s annual multicultural festival, now in its fifth year
- Together Tuesdays – a welcoming space for conversation, friendship, and mutual support
- Creative programmes, including storytelling workshops
- Plans to expand the Human Library Project in 2026
“Our role is to act as a bridge between migrant communities, organisations, and public services—building trust and strong relationships,” Csilla said.
The network promotes two-way integration, recognising that integration is a shared social process.
“Newcomers adapt to their new home, but the host community also grows, learns, and makes space for diversity. Both sides contribute, and both sides benefit.”
Impact on the Community
Hundreds of people from diverse backgrounds have engaged with WNCN through festivals, workshops, community sessions, and events at City Hall.
“One of our biggest challenges is capacity,” Csilla noted. “We are all volunteers, and there is far more demand than we can meet.”
Despite the lack of stable funding, the network continues to grow. WNCN is now exploring the possibility of becoming a registered charity or developing a social enterprise model to ensure long-term sustainability.
“We welcome ideas, collaborations, and support from anyone who shares our vision,” Csilla added.
Contact: contact@waterfordncn.ie
Building Belonging in Waterford
For many participants, the network has been transformative.
“People tell us they feel more connected, more confident, and more supported,” Csilla said. “We see friendships forming, communities growing stronger, and newcomers becoming active participants in local life—volunteering, organising events, and even starting businesses.”
As Waterford continues to evolve, organisations like Waterford New Communities Network demonstrate how immigration can enrich not only the lives of newcomers, but the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the city as a whole.