Lucy Adebowale and her 5 children , Star, Greatness, Value, Prosperity and Gold are facing deportation in the near future. Their case is currently being appealed on the grounds that their lives would be in danger if returned to Nigeria where their abusive father now lives. The 3 oldest boys attend St Mary's CBS, Portlaoise, where they have proven themselves to be hardworking students and gentlemen in behaviour. Showing true community spirit they have been involved in the Student Council and the School of Sanctuary Committee. This is a family that finally had some sense of peace and safety in our community only to find themselves under threat again. Lucy is doing everything in her power to protect her family, but she needs support. The Adebowale family are part of our CBS community, our CBS family, so let us give her that support.

Adolescents, more than adults, are in their crucial developmental stage. They stand to gain even more from the physical, mental, and environmental advantages offered by the bike-to-school initiative. This is a unique opportunity to facilitate healthier lifestyles and contribute to our fight against climate change, particularly when biking facilities are underused during school hours.

The Late Late Toy Show is more than just a TV program—it’s a beloved Irish tradition that brings families together to celebrate the magic of childhood. For many children, it’s the most anticipated night of the year, a chance to see toys, hear stories, and experience the joy of Christmas kicking off. However, the current 9:30 PM start time is simply too late for most young children. By then, many are too tired to fully enjoy the show or can’t stay up at all. This leaves parents torn between letting kids miss out on the excitement or allowing them to stay up and face the consequences of a late night. Moving the Toy Show to 7 PM would: • Allow children to fully participate in this iconic event without sacrificing their sleep. • Create magical family moments for parents and kids to share together. • Honor the tradition of the Toy Show as a celebration for all ages, ensuring that no one feels excluded. This is about making a small but meaningful change that aligns with the Toy Show’s mission of joy, connection, and inclusivity for all Irish families. Let’s make it happen!

By signing this petition, you are lending support to help with some challenges our local soccer club, Sporting Greystones Football Club, is currently facing. Sporting Greystones FC is a young, community-focused grassroots football club that provides local children with the opportunity to learn and play football. Despite having over 300 playing members and 40 active volunteers, we are facing significant challenges due to limited resources and facilities: 1. Overcapacity and Waiting Lists: We have over 100 children on waiting lists because our current facilities cannot accommodate everyone. 2. Insufficient Access to Local Facilities:   PITCHES - We have a long term leased grass pitch at Dr Ryan Park that is not of sufficient size to accommodate 11 a side football and we have to travel to Kilmacanogue to hire private pitches.    TRAINING  - We are restricted to only 2 hours of evening use on the council-owned astro turf pitch at Dr Ryan Park. Extending access by just 1 hour (until 9pm) would allow additional training slots at no extra cost. 3. Logistical and Financial Burden: We are forced to train in 5 different locations and play home games in two, which is unsustainable environmentally (adding to our carbon footprint) and economically by skyrocketing the costs for a volunteer-led club. 4. Urgent Facility Upgrades Needed: • Secure storage for equipment and goalposts. • Provision of sufficient LOCAL facilities so that we don't have to leave the area to train or play HOME matches  • Proper floodlights at Dr Ryan (currently relying on inadequate battery-operated lights). • General upkeep and modernisation of existing facilities. 5. Call for Support from Politicians and Council:  We need elected representatives to advocate for increased facility access, improved infrastructure, and long-term planning for community needs We are calling on Wicklow County Council and local representatives to prioritise community-focused solutions so we can continue to serve our young players. We want to work with the community to achieve this - Please sign this petition to show your support for Sporting Greystones FC and help us secure the resources and facilities our club and community desperately need!  Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in football in OUR community. If you are in any way able to support us further on this, please contact [email protected] Kind Regards, The greater Sporting Greystones FC community

The risks posed by pesticides, including the widely used chemical glyphosate, to both human health and the environment are too significant to be ignored, particularly in areas where our children spend a considerable amount of their time. The Irish Schools Sustainability Network, other environmental groups and educational organisations aim to bring about a national ban of pesticide use in these sensitive environments. Health Risks to Children Numerous studies have raised alarm about the potential health hazards of glyphosate. Classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins due to their developing bodies, the vulnerability of their immune systems and the fact that they may come into direct contact with treated grass, soil and outdoor equipment. The long-term effects of even low-level exposure to glyphosate remain poorly understood, but the precautionary principle dictates that we must err on the side of safety, especially when the health of children is at stake. Environmental Impact Chemical pesticides are not just a threat to human health but also to the environment. For example the widespread use of glyphosate has been associated with a decline in biodiversity, as it indiscriminately kills plants, leading to the destruction of habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. In particular, glyphosate has been linked to the decline of pollinator species, such as bees, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and food production. Furthermore, runoff from school grounds into nearby waterways can contaminate water supplies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain. Alternatives to pesticides  There are safer, more sustainable alternatives to glyphosate and other pesticides that do not pose the same risks to human health or the environment. Mechanical weeding, organic herbicides, and other integrated pest management strategies can be employed to maintain school grounds without compromising the safety of our children or the surrounding ecosystem. A Call for Action Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate’s risks, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our children and the environment. Banning the use of pesticides on school grounds would be a significant step towards creating a healthier, safer environment for students and reducing the broader ecological impact of harmful chemicals. We urge you to consider the growing body of scientific research, as well as the actions taken by other countries, such as Austria and France, that have restricted or banned pesticide use on school grounds. By doing so, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.

When there are cuts to Special Educational Services and Additional Needs Services, mainstream teachers are required to do far more with less support and less resources for children with a significant range of abilities. This affects the provision of education to all children. This affects all the children of Ireland. We can and need to do better. Schools have had enough cuts and need to be sufficiently resourced.

We kindly ask for your support in this matter. Signing this petition would greatly strengthen our case for increased safety measures, speed limit enforcement, and special speed designations on the approaches to the school gate.

Dublin faces a critical shortage of accessible green spaces, particularly during winter and after heavy rain, making it harder than ever for children to enjoy safe outdoor facilities. Delaying this project would set a discouraging precedent for similar initiatives across the city, stalling momentum and dampening hopes for the many other clubs—and countless boys and girls—who need these community spaces. Please sign the petition to support the creation of an enhanced space at Kenilworth that will make a real difference for children across Dublin!

Installing a pedestrian crossing/traffic lights would improve safety for pedestrians of all ages, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, when crossing the busy roads in Kilmuckridge. Drivers are more likely to pay attention to and yield to pedestrians at a designated crossing.  Advocating for this would help encourage a culture of mutual respect among pedestrians and drivers, so we can all contribute to a safer community for residents and visitors in Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford. 

Holy Family is a vital cornerstone of the community, playing a central role in the lives of local families.  The current conditions jeopardise both the children's health and ability to learn. Without urgent attention, these issues will only worsen, further compromising the wellbeing of the pupils and staff. 

The evidence regarding the detrimental impact of unregulated access to the internet and social media on our children and young people is overwhelming. It is an evolving youth mental health crisis which is a societal challenge and requires leadership and political will to address. In the words of Prof. Matthew Sadlier (Chair of the Irish Medical Organisation Consultants Committee) at the Gen Free launch in Greystones on Sept 17th, “The radical changes in behaviour of children that we have seen since the introduction of immersive digital technology is having an overwhelming harmful effect”. Legislation is urgently needed and our campaign is now giving a clear call to action. Let’s make our voices heard and protect children online. The time is now Page 65 on the recently issued 2025 Programme for Government "Investing in our Future" has outlined commitments regarding Online Safety. We call on the government to action these commitments as a matter of priority and urgency. We must hold our government and elected representatives to account on this.  #GenFree #FreetobeKids Campaign coverage: https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0918/1470524-online-safety-children-campaign/   People and Organisations supporting this campaign; • Irish Medical Organisation, (IMO) • Dr. Richard Hogan, Family Psychotherapist, • Dr. Catherine Conlon, Senior Medical Officer, HSE, • Prof. Mary Aiken, Professor of Cyberpsychology, • Dr. Brigid Teevan, Doctor in Childhood Studies, • Dr. Joanna Fortune, Psychotherapist & Clinical Author, • Dr. Colman Noctor, Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytical Psychotherapist • Dr. David Coleman, Clinical Psychologist & Author, • CyberSafeKids, • Temple Carrig Secondary School, • It Takes a Village, • Barnardos, Rahoo, • Noone Cyber Services, • Counselling Forward. • A Path Appears.

The affected families have been integrated into many parts of our town in Blackrock so it would have an impact on many people in the community. It is within our interest to maintain them as a key part of this community going forward.