The Need for Safer Roads and Access to Sports Facilities for TETNS Students.  As a community, we value the well-being, safety, and education of our children. The lack of access to safe sports facilities and the perilous routes students take to reach them is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention.  Every day, over 2,200 students and families use Dublin Road, Athenry Road, and Frank Stockwell Road to get to and from school. This poses a significant risk to their safety, as these roads are congested with all manner of vehicles, including cars, buses, tractors, and lorries.  The situation is particularly alarming for our children in Tuam Educate Together NS, who must walk over 3km to and from Tuam Stars GAA Club to access sports pitches. This not only puts them at risk of injury or worse but also limits their opportunities for physical activity, socialization, and team-building through sport.  Moreover, students from Junior Infants upwards are forced to cross the busy Dublin Road every week to reach the Tusla Hall for PE classes and assemblies. This is a hazardous journey that requires constant vigilance and can be a major deterrent to our children's participation in physical education and extracurricular activities.  By signing this petition, we are calling on the Minister for Education Helen McEntee and the Department of Education to provide safe access to adjacent sports facilities and pitches for TETNS students. This is not just a matter of convenience or comfort; it's a critical aspect of our children's overall well-being, education, and development.  We believe that all children have the right to:  • Safe and convenient access to sports facilities and pitches  • Adequate physical education and extracurricular activities to promote their health, wellbeing, and social skills  • A safe and healthy environment in which to grow and develop  By supporting this petition, we are advocating for a fundamental change that will benefit not just our children but the entire Tuam community. We urge you to join us in demanding safer roads, better sports facilities, and a healthier future for all of us.

Seoladh suirbhé in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, d'fhreagair 94% de na rannpháirtithe nach raibh caighdeán sásúil ar fáil do seirbhísí na Gaeilge anseo in Éirinn. Cheap 98% gur cheart don Rialtas níos mó seirbhísí a chuir ar fáil do dhaoine óga. Léirigh na daoine go bhfuil fadhbanna córasacha ann maidir le hoideachas na tíre, agus nach raibh deiseanna ar fáil dóibh an Ghaeilge a úsáid go gairmiúil nó mar a dteanga labhartha.  Is saol trí Ghaeilge atá uainn!

The 145 bus route is an essential transport link for the UCD community, providing direct access from Heuston Station to campus. Its removal jeopardises the ability of students, staff, and other UCD members to easily and affordably access the university. Many students rely on this route as their primary means of commuting, and without it, they face increased travel times, additional costs, and greater barriers to participating in campus life. By joining this campaign, you are standing up for fair access to education and work, as well as for better public transport. Whether you use the bus or not, the loss of this route affects the entire UCD community and will have a knock-on impact on other users of public transport in Dublin City Centre.

In the performance community we find it very unfair that what you would view as a 'normal college or academic institution' are able to receive funding/grants to aid their education. However in choosing to pursue a career in performing arts we receive no financial aid whatsoever. This tells us that in Ireland it is not recognised as a valid career path. We deserve the same treatment as everybody else.

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!

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.

Why is the man credited with the first colonial voyage to the present day Americas, and the subsequent genocide of the Indigenous people celebrated in this city and on this island?  It is time that this monument is removed and replaced with a piece of art that reflects a meaningful historic connection that the people of Galway have with the Americas.  This statue sits on public land in the centre of the city, and so it must represent a part of our story or cultural heritage. The statue seemingly commemorates a voyage that Columbus may have taken to Galway in 1477, though the evidence of when (and if) this trip took place is limited.  The sculpture was commissioned by Columbus's hometown of Genoa in 1992 to commemorate the 500 years since Columbus set sail across the Atlantic, initiating the genocidal conquest of the Americas and the attempted erasure of ancient cultures that were at home there for thousands of years when Columbus seemingly 'discovered' it.  Furthermore, Galway stands with the Indigenous people of the Americas, as we stand with the people of Palestine who are today experiencing the same settler colonial ethnic cleansing by Israel and supported by their Western allies.  It is time that this sculpture which sits on public land is removed and replaced with something that has historic meaning for the people of Galway.

Our children are expected to concentrate and reach their full potential learning in freezing cold conditions, in prefabs that are not fit for purpose! They are missing out on other basic facilities other schools have such as a school hall and a canteen! The school has to turn down opportunities of extracurricular activities, such as drama and sports because they don’t have the facilities to accommodate it! They have to walk 15 minutes to a nearby hall to do PE, and if the weather is bad they have to cancel! This simply is not good enough and there is no excuse for it to be going on for 24 years!!! Despite the amazing work done by teachers in Gaelcholáiste Reachrann, there is only so much they can do in these deplorable conditions. It’s a wonder they can get anyone to work in the school at all! These conditions are having a huge negative impact on both teachers and students and something needs to be done about it urgently!

It is imperative that appropriate measures be put in place to support Teachers and  SNAs who have been assaulted in the classroom. Anyone who suffers an assault in the workplace their sole focus should be on their recovery. I believe these amendments are crucial for the wellbeing of our educators and to ensure a safe and supportive working environment. 

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!

Everyone should sign becasue everyone should be able to express themselves through jewellery. I've wanted my ears pierced for so long, but haven't been able to get them done for this exact reason.