A Quiet Question from a Regular Customer in Portarlington

I HAVE been living in Portarlington since 2020. Over the past few years, I have come to appreciate the town’s calm atmosphere and the friendliness that defines everyday life here. Like many residents, I am a regular customer at McLoughlin's SuperValu Portarlington. It is part of my weekly routine, and I have always found the service polite and welcoming.

Over time, however, a quiet question has stayed in my mind. Portarlington today is more diverse than it was a decade ago. Young people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds are growing up here, attending local schools, and becoming part of the community. This is a positive and natural change in modern Ireland.

At the same time, I also recognise that many customers who visit local shops come from different backgrounds, including non-Irish residents who are now an important part of the community and local life. This diversity is visible in daily interactions, and it reflects how the town continues to grow and change.

Yet, as a regular visitor to local shops, I sometimes wonder why that diversity is not always reflected among the staff we see every day. There may be some diversity among staff in different roles, although it is not always immediately visible from the outside.

This is not a criticism of any particular business. Hiring decisions are complex and depend on many factors—experience, availability, training, and trust. In smaller towns, personal networks and word-of-mouth recommendations can also play an important role in recruitment.

Still, as our communities evolve, it may be worth gently asking whether opportunities are reaching everyone equally.

Ireland takes pride in being an open and inclusive society. In many ways, that is true. But inclusion is not only about what we believe—it is also about what we see in everyday life.

Under Irish law, employers are not allowed to discriminate in hiring based on nationality or ethnic background. The Employment Equality Acts protect all applicants equally, meaning a person cannot legally be refused a job simply for being non-Irish.

Perhaps there is a simple explanation. But perhaps it is also a conversation worth having—quietly and respectfully—as our towns continue to grow and change.

As a regular customer, I remain appreciative. As a resident, I remain curious and hopeful that opportunity in our community is shared as widely as possible.

I am Syed Atiqur Rob, originally from Bangladesh, and I have been living in Portarlington since 2020. I chose to settle here because of its rich history and strong sense of heritage. Over time, I have come to appreciate not only its character, but also the everyday kindness and sense of community that make it feel like home.

Syed Atiqur Rob