Co.Here Launch: A new EU-funded project that is reimaging refugee integration
UCD has received funding under the EU’s (opens in a new window)Social Innovation+ initiative to collaborate with Irish and international partners on a pilot project connecting displaced Ukrainian people and local communities in North Kildare.
Co.Here (officially titled Community Connect under the ESF+ SI+ initiative) is a new approach to meaningful and mutually beneficial integration, bringing together Helping Irish Hosts’ community level knowledge and support framework, ethical matching technology by Pairity, and research and evaluation by UCD.
Over 18 months, the project will work with Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection across five North Kildare towns - Celbridge, Kilcock, Leixlip, Maynooth, and Straffan - connecting them with opportunities in education, work, language, health and social life, that are tailored to participants’ unique needs and preferences. Local community participation and insights will be involved at every stage to ensure impactful and relevant matches.
UCD’s research will focus on a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the matching platform and outcomes for participants and communities, exploring themes of belonging, agency and inclusion. A human and fundamental rights audit will be conducted using UN KNOMAD indicators.
With an initial focus on Ukrainian resettlement in Ireland, the Co.Here project will generate insights to inform future refugee integration policy and practice in Ireland and across Europe.
Launch Event
Join the Co.Here launch event to hear more about the project, meet the partners, and share your own ideas on how we can build belonging that lasts.
Glenroyal Hotel, Maynooth
Thursday 2 October 2025
5.30 – 7.30pm
Click (opens in a new window)here to register to attend, or if you’re interested in receiving future updates about Co.Here.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.