The Clonlara residing along the R463 would like to request the support of all residents of Clonlara for the following reasons: • Improved accessibility for those of us at these addresses means more economic activity in Clonlara village.   • It would allow us to access bars and restaurants. It would also create a higher footfall for the village shop which has now closed twice previously due to this challenge. It would increase bus service user numbers thus ensuring the service is not cancelled and more bus services may be added. • It would reduce traffic at Clonlara bridge as many would choose to walk and cycle such a short distance rather than sit on the bridge in traffic. • It would bring members from your community who are currently not spending time in the village due to a lack of accessibility across the bridge and create a more unified community.   We would also like to request the support of those who have  accessibility concerns for relatives living in the area. We thank you all for your support on this matter.

Health risks backed by science • Multiple Studies have found that even short-term exposure to PM2.5 smoke particles increases hospital admissions for heart, lung, and neurological conditions. (Links to studies: [1][2])  • Studies show wildfire smoke can raise mortality rates in vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, people with asthma, and heart disease). [Links to studies: [3], [4]] • These pollutants travel long distances — you don’t need to live in Cherrywood to be at risk. Smoke is more toxic than normal air pollution • Gorse/wildfire smoke isn’t just particles — it contains toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein. • These VOCs are linked to respiratory disease, cancer risk, and neurological problems — and they’re invisible, often undetectable by smell.  • For VOCs such as formaldehyde and benzene, WHO recognises that there is no safe threshold indoors, further underlining the health risk of the current smoke exposure. Children are the most vulnerable • Kids breathe faster and inhale more pollutants per body weight. • In Cherrywood, a primary school sits right below Ticknick Park, directly in the path of the smoke. • Protecting them here sets a precedent for protecting children everywhere. It’s not just Cherrywood — it’s Ireland’s future • With warmer, drier summers, gorse fires will keep recurring across Ireland. • If we don’t act now, other towns will face the same repeated exposure, with no monitoring or guidance. • The current response is limited to carrying out controlled burning or "hoping for the rain" — but neither of these protect Cherrywood families from repeated exposure to toxic smoke. A precedent for national action • By supporting Cherrywood, you’re pushing Ireland to adopt stronger protections — including, but not limited by efficient fire response, local monitoring, proactive land management, timely community guidance and access to HEPA + carbon filters. • Wildfire smoke has been recognised internationally (e.g. by the US CDC and European Environment Agency) as a significant public health hazard due to fine particles and VOCs. • This campaign can set the standard for how Irish authorities respond to all future smoke events. *In this context, ‘Ticknick’ refers to the adjoining lands located beside Ticknick Park and the community playfields. ** Have you been affected? Please take 2 minutes to fill out this short survey: https://forms.gle/cUtUWMZA2Zamr39UA

Making it easier for households and small businesses to have  solar power and better battery storage systems will mean • Save households hundreds of €€ on energy bills • Irelands reliance on imported fossil fuels will be reduced • Thousands of new jobs will be created in the solar and energy storage industries • Greenhouse gas emissions will fall - up to 20% • Less pollution and better air quality and public health, particularly in urban areas • Make it easier to also have EV's meaning less pollution on the roads. 

No to Shannon LNG.   No to fracked gas.   No to fossil colonialism.   No to complicity in genocide. A Critical Moment for Climate Action and Environmental Leadership Approving the Shannon LNG terminal is a reckless step backwards. It locks Ireland into decades of fossil fuel dependence and undermines our climate commitments. This is a decisive moment in our fight against climate change. We cannot afford to build infrastructure that prolongs the life of fossil fuels and sabotages our path to renewable energy. Ireland must choose to lead with action, not complicity. Fracked Gas Is a Public Health Crisis Fracked gas is not a solution; it is a threat to public health and environmental justice. The horrific consequences of fracking—including cancer, birth defects, and toxic water contamination—are well-documented. Ireland cannot, in good conscience, import a fuel that is poisoning communities abroad while jeopardizing the health of future generations. It’s time to reject this harmful practice and make a real commitment to the health of our citizens and the planet. Rejecting Complicity in Global Injustice & Genocide New Fortress Energy’s involvement in the Shannon LNG project links Ireland to violence and human rights abuses. By associating with a company entangled in the Israeli military-industrial complex, Ireland risks becoming complicit in war crimes and genocide. This is a line Ireland must not cross. We have a moral duty to reject this project and uphold our reputation as a champion of human rights and international justice. The Strength of Public Opposition and Collective Action The Irish people have made their voices heard. Communities across the country, from grassroots organizations to climate activists, have stood firm in opposing the Shannon LNG terminal. This is not a small resistance; it is a nationwide demand for change. The people of Ireland have drawn a clear line in the sand: we will not allow this destructive project to proceed. Our collective power is unstoppable. Ireland’s Energy Future Must Be Clean, Not Fossil Fueled The future of Ireland’s energy lies in renewables, not in fossil fuel projects that will burden future generations. We do not need the Shannon LNG terminal to secure our energy future; we need investment in green, sustainable energy sources. Renewable energy is the only path forward, and it’s time for Ireland to embrace innovation, energy independence, and a just transition for all. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has said clearly: "There is no need for investment in new fossil fuel supply projects if the world is to reach net-zero by 2050." This project undermines Ireland’s global leadership on climate and makes a mockery of the Climate Action Plan and Ireland’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. A Defining Moment for Ireland’s Legacy The decision on Shannon LNG is not just about energy, it is about Ireland’s moral compass. Do we stand for a future rooted in justice, sustainability, and peace, or do we sell out to fossil fuel profiteers and war profiteers? This is our moment to act, to reject the forces that threaten our planet and our values. Ireland’s future is in our hands, and we will not let it be dictated by those who profit from destruction. The time for action is now. Relevant links:  Stop Shannon LNG Coalition Press Conference 26/03/2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFJ3LnoTbh4 Find the contact details of your TD here: https://www.contactyourtd.ie/ References: 1. LNG energy estimate based on 170,000 m³ per refill, ~6 refills/year, 1 m³ LNG ≈ 1.033 MWh → ≈5.69 TWh/year   2. CRU (2023) – avg. household use = ~4,200 kWh/year. https://www.cru.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CRU23105-Electricity-and-Gas-Customers-Experience-Survey-2023.pdf   3. CSO (2022, 2024) – https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/energy/ and https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-csr/   4. EirGrid (2024) – https://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/All-Island-Generation-Capacity-Statement-2024-2033.pdf   5. IEA (2021, 2023) – https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050 & https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2023   6. Technion & H2Pro – https://whoprofits.org/technion-israel-institute-of-technology/ & https://www.h2-view.com/story/h2pro-latvenergo-ink-deal-to-develop-green-hydrogen-project-in-latvia/   7. ICJ Genocide Ruling – https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ORD-01-00-EN.pdf   8. IEN, Friends of the Earth, Gas Free Ireland – https://www.ien.ie/, https://www.foe.ie/, https://www.gasfreeireland.ie

The only thing that will block the trial now is if there is not enough leadership. So, as well as signing this petition, please contact your local Dublin councillors to ask them to support this project as it has city-wide benefits. A list of councillors to contact can be found on a page at dublincity.ie. This is a council issue, but TDs have involved themselves, so, if you have the time, please also contact your local TDs, especially Dublin Bay South TDs. Some background:  Over 4 years ago, the High Court blocked a trial of the Strand Road cycle path. The case had a chilling effect on the roll-out of safer and more climate-friendly streets. But last month, the Court of Appeal found that the High Court judgment was flawed on all substantive points. However, despite the council's success after a long legal battle, the public funding used to rightly defend their position, and strong reasoning for proceeding with the trial, some local Sandymount groups and politicians are still attempting to block this city-wide issue.  The following are reasons why the project should be trialled:  (1) This is a city-wide issue A ~3.5km cycle path on Beach Road, Strand Road and onto the Merrion Road will provide the first such cycle route crossing administrative borders in the south side of the city. This is not only a local Sandymount issue. It will both help local children cycle to school and allow commuters and others to go greater distances. Combined with the existing coastal route built by DLRCC, the route would total 10km with connections to other routes at both ends. It won’t be all perfect at first, but it will be a huge leap forward in providing a relatively continuous, safe and attractive route. The evidence is clear that cycle paths encourage more people to cycle. A 10km route does not mean that everybody is going to start cycling that distance. Some will, while others will use different parts of the route along the way, with links to other routes. (2) Strongly vindicated after a long legal battle Dublin City Council has been strongly vindicated. The claims that these relatively minor interventions in terms of the level of construction would need planning and detailed environmental assessment have been blown out of the water by the Court of Appeal. Despite claims from some objectors, the ruling was a stinging defeat, with all substantive points made overturned.  After such a clear decision following the spending of a significant amount of public money to defend the case, there is a moral duty for Dublin City Council to proceed with the trial. The now-overturned High Court ruling also had huge cost implications and caused a slowdown in project delivery.  (3) If the sky falls in, it can be reversed Because the trial involves reallocating existing road space, it can be trialled rather quickly and without too much expense. And, if the sky falls in, it can be reversed. We have decades of evidence and examples showing that traffic does not act the way most people think it does. The Irish Water’s works in late 2022 and early 2023, which made Strand Road one-way for months, provide a good indication that the sky will not fall in — we first heard from supportive residents saying so and then from data confirming this.  Some claim that the road needs to be kept two-way because of new housing around the Glass Bottle, but continuing the status quo will just mean the new residents adding to gridlock. A shift in approach is needed. With the road made one-way and the cycle route in place, it will have the added positive effect of providing many people with an alternative transport option and allow for wider monitoring to see if making the road one-way is overall beneficial. (4) A route “on the green areas” could take 15+ years The cycle route cannot be easily built off-road “in the park” on green areas. People claiming an off-road option is a real alternative to a project which can be trialled within weeks are not dealing with the facts. The green areas at Sandymount Promenade are not continuous. The gaps are effectively part of Dublin Bay, which is a protected area and an UNESCO Biosphere. When the sections of the bay were filled in, EU-level environmental protections were not in place. This is also not just something abstract. Outside the wall on Strand Road are rocks that serve as nesting areas for birds and other habitats. Ireland generally lags behind in its protection of natural areas.  The gap also includes a section where a path would have to be built between houses and the coast, potentially sparking stronger objections and further legal challenges. A suggestion of traffic lights to keep two-way traffic here is not viable, especially given the railway level crossing. Such an option would be more disruptive and a threat to safety at the level crossing. (5) The need for climate action Transport is Ireland’s second-largest sector for greenhouse gas emissions, but the binding emission reduction targets are likely not to be reached. The signees of this petition believe we should try harder. Some people are dismissive of cycling provision as climate action, yet the IPCC has highlighted it as a means of ramping up action. (6) We need to get moving, and wider health benefits are strong Inactivity is another crisis we are facing, yet, it hardly ever gets the attention it deserves. Besides a set amount of people who are willing and able to go to the gym etc, research shows that most people can see better outcomes by integrating activity into their daily lives.  The health benefits of cycling as a mode of transport can also be wide-ranging, including a reduction in air pollution and a decrease in harmful noise levels. (7) Cycle paths improve road safety for all road users Another element of cycle routes is road safety — cycle paths are often traffic calming in their own right, and evidence shows that building cycle routes can make roads safer for all users.

The Cabinet decision on Monday 3rd March 2025 to procure a State owned LNG Terminal, coupled with the granting, last week of Planning Permission by An Bord Pleanála, for a 600MW gas powered power station, indicates a reversal of this policy.  Conventional Natural Gas is damaging to the climate and but LNG, extracted through fracking is dirtier than coal and it is also particularly and immediately damaging to the local environment.   If we are to meet our climate commitments under the Paris Accord, cut our emissions in half by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050 we can not become reliant on another form of fossil fuel, especially not one associated with the. Please sign our petition to urge the Government to think again. https://www.uplift.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MyUplift-banner-politician-SVG.svg

The community wants to save the beachfront, they believe the Council and  political representatives are not listening. ‘Our Village, Our Voice, Our Choice ‘

We don’t have any power to stop him, but we can show how we feel and maybe he will actually think about what he’s doing if reasonable people around the world let him know. The political opposition in the USA, whose job this really is, are virtually silent 

We know what needs to be done to protect children from the horrific harms of climate breakdown - urgent cuts wherever possible to the pollution causing the climate crisis. This must include aviation, which is using record levels of fossil fuel and holding back climate action, even as the odds for children's futures worsen. Despite airlines polluting at higher levels and climate threats for children worsening, an aggressive campaign by vested interests has resulted in a Government commitment to disregard the harmful impacts and support lifting the Dublin Airport passenger cap. (The ‘cap’ currently allows for a colossal 32 MILLION passengers each year.)  As it is, the massive pollution from international aviation is currently not being tackled in our national climate efforts. If the cap was lifted, it would mean not only would the aviation sector continue failing to contribute to the national climate efforts kids are counting on, they'd be INCREASING their harmful pollution even more. Stand up for kids, and sign our petition to Government calling for the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to remain in place. Ireland is using more aviation fossil fuel than ever before - 1.36 billion litres in 2023 alone. Our children’s futures are being irreversibly harmed due to a failure to cut harmful global warming pollution - they face malnutrition, increased danger from more extreme weather events, and economic harm. Every fraction of a degree of global warming matters. Increasing flights via a lifting of the cap, means massive increases in fossil fuel use and pollution. Keeping the cap means responsibly protecting against even greater levels of fossil fuel pollution. Unprecedented and apparently unlawful levels of flight traffic at Dublin Airport are already reported to be causing harm. Schools and communities under flight paths have reported negative impacts on the education, sleep, well-being and home lives of children due to intolerable levels of noise pollution. All children have a fundamental right to rest, play and learn. Keeping the cap means putting communities, families and children before harmful industry expansion and pollution. Flying is the most climate-harming form of travel there is, and in Ireland we’re already flying  almost double the amount of our European neighbours. Most of this is for leisure, and very likely more money is being taken out of the country via outgoing tourism than coming in. Nor are any apparent efforts being made to limit reckless private jet use or frequent flyer incentives. We know that the more the climate crisis escalates the more harm will be done - and our kids will pay the price. We’ve seen in recent weeks, with Storm Eowyn, the horrifying damage extreme weather events cause. We urgently need every sector to do its part to help protect kids from the harms ahead. Keeping the cap means a step towards Irish aviation responsibly contributing to the essential climate action all children are counting on.  Stand up for kids, and sign our petition to Government calling for the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to remain in place - aviation must start doing its fair share for kids’ futures.

Statistics from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry indicate that over 50% of new petrol and diesel cars, bought in 2023, were SUVs [1]. According to the Financial Times, sales of SUVs in Ireland have risen dramatically and are now amongst the highest in the EU [2]. These vehicles, largely driven in urban areas, contribute disproportionately to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and traffic congestion. Their larger size and weight result in increased fuel consumption and road wear, further exacerbating these issues. Their electric counterparts, due to their excessive size are contributing to global shortages of critical metals such as lithium, causing significant environmental degradation & reshaping global politics. Crash data from Belgium from 2017 to 2021 also shows that a 10cm increase in the height of vehicle fronts raises the risk of death by 30% when a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist, according to a study by the Vias Institute, previously the Belgian Institute for Road Safety [3]. In Europe, the average width of new passenger cars increased by about 10 cm since the early 2000s, while average weight has climbed by over 200 kg[4]. By imposing an additional VRT on the sale of non-commercial heavy vehicles, we can encourage manufacturers to stop increasing the size of their cars, and incentivize consumers to choose more environmentally friendly options, such as smaller, more fuel-efficient cars or public transportation. This would help to reduce our carbon footprint, meet our legally binding climate targets and improve air quality. A higher VRT on heavy non-commercial vehicles is a necessary and effective measure to protect our environment and promote sustainable transportation and public health improvements. “The Irish transport system is car dependent by design, is high in greenhouse gas emissions and does not support improved well-being.” — OECD 2022 report Public Health Risks: Cancer and Air Pollution Exhaust fumes from petrol and diesel vehicles are a major source of air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM), both of which have been linked to serious health conditions. The World Health Organization classifies diesel exhaust as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is a known cause of cancer in humans, particularly lung cancer. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are especially vulnerable. SUVs, due to their larger engines and higher fuel consumption, emit more pollutants than smaller vehicles. Reducing the number and size of these vehicles on our roads could significantly decrease pollution-related illnesses and healthcare costs, while improving overall public health—especially in densely populated urban areas. Promoting Equity: By taxing non-commercial vehicles that disproportionately contribute to emissions, a sales weight tax could create a more equitable system where the costs of environmental damage are more fairly distributed between urban and rural dwellers. This could free up resources for other groups such as farmers to be rewarded for investing in sustainable practices.

There are several reasons why Ireland might benefit from not turning the clocks back in autumn and staying on daylight saving time (DST) year-round: 1. More Evening Daylight: Sticking with DST year-round would mean more daylight during the evening hours, which could lead to higher productivity, more time for outdoor activities, and increased well-being. Extra light in the evening could also be a boost for local businesses and tourism, as people tend to shop, dine, and enjoy activities longer when it’s lighter outside. 2. Improved Mental Health and Well-being: A longer period of daylight after work or school is linked to better mental health and mood. The reduction of evening darkness in winter could help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is common in places with shorter daylight hours. 3. Road Safety: Studies have shown that road accidents tend to increase after clocks are turned back, largely because of darker evenings. More evening daylight can improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians, potentially reducing the risk of accidents. 4. Energy Savings: Although this is debated, some studies suggest that extra daylight in the evening could reduce the demand for electricity, especially in households where lights and heating are used more intensively in darker hours. 5. Alignment with Europe rather than the UK: Since Brexit we no longer need to be the same as the UK. The European Union has been considering abolishing the biannual clock changes, though a final decision hasn’t been implemented. Ireland remaining on DST permanently could align it with other European countries if they decide to adopt this approach, reducing confusion and potentially benefiting trade, travel, and communication. 6. Better Routine for Children and Families: Sticking with DST year-round could make routines easier for families, as the body adjusts better to consistent daylight hours, and it would make outdoor play and activities after school more accessible. Though there are also counterarguments, like darker mornings, the benefits of consistent daylight in the evenings could outweigh them for many people in Ireland.

With the Flood Forecasting Centre now fully operational since January and currently sharing vital information with local authorities, it's time to extend this crucial service to the general public. As Ireland faces increasing risks of flooding events due to climate change, citizens need direct access to these forecasts to better prepare and protect their homes and communities. Credit to Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather for highlighting this important issue through his platform. While the current system of sharing forecasts with local authorities is a step forward, public access to this information is essential for: - Enabling communities to make timely preparations for potential flooding - Improving public safety and emergency response - Ensuring transparent communication during extreme weather events - Helping residents make informed decisions about property protection With flooding events becoming more frequent and severe, direct public access to flood forecasts is no longer just beneficial - it's necessary for public safety and community resilience.