Ireland’s nomination of Francesca Albanese for the Nobel Peace Prize matters for several significant reasons: 🕊️ 1. A Voice Calling Out Genocide As the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories since May 2022, Albanese has produced groundbreaking reports—such as Anatomy of a Genocide—presented to the UN Human Rights Council. In them, she lays out compelling legal evidence suggesting Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, earning recognition as “the foremost voice exposing the horrors inflicted upon the Palestinian people”  ⚖️ 2. Championing International Law and Accountability Her work is rooted firmly in international law. She’s called for member states to develop credible plans to end occupation and apartheid, insisted on an immediate ceasefire, and escalated matters to bodies like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and International Criminal Court (ICC). When many officials remained silent, Albanese stood her ground in defense of human rights and legal standards . 💪 3. Moral Leadership in the Face of Pressure Despite significant pushback—including public accusations of bias, U.S. sanctions labeling her a “specially designated national,” and threats from political actors—Albanese maintained her dedication to truth and accountability . Ireland’s endorsement highlights the need to support those who defend human rights even under immense pressure. 🌍 4. Symbolic Support from Western Democracies When many Western political leaders have been criticized for “wilful ignorance” or avoiding hard questions, Ireland’s nomination sends a clear message: upholding human rights—even when it means confronting allies—is essential for lasting peace . ✊ 5. Amplifying Vulnerable Voices Albanese doesn’t just issue reports—she amplifies the stories of Palestinian children and families stripped of their childhoods and rights. She emphasizes the lived reality of those suffering and the danger of “living silence” in the international community. In Summary Ireland’s nomination of Francesca Albanese is not just about recognizing one person—it’s about recognising a steadfast commitment to: • Exposing and documenting alleged genocide by using legal and factual rigor. • Upholding international law precisely when it's most contested. • Withstanding political pressure as a beacon of moral clarity. • Amplifying marginalized voices under threat. • Reinforcing that peace requires accountability, not indifference. By championing her, Ireland signals that defending human rights—even against powerful nations—must be a cornerstone of peacebuilding.

This is an appeal on behalf of our friends, the The Billa family—Fitnete, Arber and their two children, Luna and Arios—who have been notified that they will be pulled out of the lives they have built in Ireland and sent back to Albania without any consideration for their personal rights or complex needs.  We understand that Albania has been classified as a "safe" country and that much of the decision has been based on this blanket classification, but I would like to remind all stakeholders that rulings are made on a case-by-case basis and that this family has complex needs that will not be addressed in Albania.  Arios, the youngest child, has required multiple surgeries in his short life, and requires complex care that will simply not be available to him should this family be deported. Without access to medical services, Arios' state will decline rapidly. No authority should make decisions that knowingly put a child's life at risk.  In addition to Arios' health concerns, we are deeply distressed about the risks that Luna will face as a young girl in Albania. The United States TIP report for Albania 2024 states clearly that the county is still experiencing high rates of child trafficking. Children are disappearing every day and the government is unable to keep up with investigations or with implementing solid child protection mechanisms. It is simply not acceptable to put Luna in this kind of danger.  Fitnete and Arber are active members in the Tramore community. They have lived in Ireland for almost three years and have built a life here. Both are employed and involved with local charities and initiatives. Luna is an important member of our Junior Infants class and her friends would be devastated to lose her. They'd be too young to understand why she'd disappeared, but the loss would be felt very deeply. This family has put down roots. They have contributed towards our school culture and they have made our lives richer with their presence.  Factually, deportation to Albania will endanger the lives of the Billa family. This cannot be understated or glossed over. A decision to deport them is a decision to inflict irreparable trauma on each of them. We demand that you reconsider this deportation directive and treat it with the nuanced, discerning approach that is required when human lives are at stake. 

The GPO is the most important historical site in the City of Dublin, the centre of a rebellion that marked the start of the Irish revolutionary period.  The Rising was globally significant, preceding a wave of revolution against war and empire across Europe.  We can not allow the government dilute or bury our revolutionary past. We can not allow soulless corporate retailers or anyone else destroy such an important space in our City - people power can stop them! https://cdn.uplift.ie/assets/uploads/2025/07/MyUplift-banner-politician-SVG-1-scaled.png

The GPO is one of Ireland’s most iconic buildings—ground zero for the 1916 Rising and a national symbol of Irish freedom. Turning this sacred space into a shopping and office complex is not development—it’s desecration. The GPO should be strengthened as a historical and cultural hub that honours our past, not turned over to commercial interests. We believe in respecting our heritage and keeping public space for public good—not for profit. #SaveTheGPO

Ireland is facing a drug-related crisis — not just in terms of health outcomes, but in how we respond to people who use drugs. Right now, our system prioritises punishment over care. Instead of support, people are criminalised, stigmatised, and pushed further into harm. Decriminalisation is not a radical idea — it’s a proven, humane, and evidence-based solution that would save lives and rebuild communities. Criminalisation causes deep and lasting harm. When someone is arrested or prosecuted for drug possession, the consequences go far beyond the courtroom. People can lose their homes, jobs, education opportunities, and even custody of their children. Families are torn apart. Young people are labelled as criminals before they ever get a chance. Fear of arrest means people are less likely to seek help when they need it — whether that’s during an overdose, a mental health crisis, or when they’re ready to access treatment. At the same time, criminalisation wastes valuable public resources. Our courts and police are overwhelmed with low-level drug offences that do nothing to improve community safety or reduce drug use. The time, energy and funding spent on punishing people could be better used on health services, harm reduction, housing, and prevention. We also know there’s a better way. Countries that have decriminalised drug use have seen clear improvements: fewer deaths, less stigma, more people accessing support, and safer communities overall. Decriminalisation isn’t about encouraging drug use — it’s about treating it as a health issue. People who use drugs deserve dignity, safety and care, not a criminal record. Most importantly, the Irish public has already made its voice heard. The Citizens’ Assembly on Drug Use recommended a health-led approach and an end to criminalising people for personal possession. But despite this, the government continues to delay action — and that delay is costing lives. That’s why we’re launching this campaign. It’s time to listen to the evidence, to centre the voices of people most affected, and to push for a system built on compassion and justice. We need a system that prioritises health, not handcuffs. The longer we wait, the more people are harmed. It’s time to act — because every life matters, and every person deserves support, not punishment.

Lolly Pop lady is a necessity in an extremely busy town like Gorey. They found it so hard 2 years ago to fill the position surely if someone is willing and healthy enough to do the job let them do it.

We, the constituents of Dublin Bay North, call on our elected TDs to uphold the strongly-held views of the community. We wholeheartedly stand in solidarity with the innocent starved civilians in Gaza. We demand immediate action, not words, and that you enact the Occupied Territories Bill in full, including services,  before the Summer recess.  Ireland ranks as Israel's 2nd  highest trade partner in the world - to the value of a staggering €2.8billion in 2024. This cannot continue given Israel's despicable onslaught on the Palestinians. You are our voices in the Dáil and on the World stage. Please act accordingly.

Youghal Chamber of Tourism & Development are setting up this campaign to help prevent the closure of Youghal District Court and moving it to Dungarvan, under the restructuring of District Court Sittings.   1.       The loss of the Court sitting in Youghal, would have a huge negative impact both socially and financially.   Court sittings in Youghal are very important and provide a significant boost to the local economy. 2.      Justice should be administrated locally and not put the expense on people to travel to Dungarvan.  Also when its administrated locally, there is deterrent effect of having to face one’s neighbours, friends and members of the local community in Court, in public in one’s own town should never be underestimated. 3.      It would also affect access to Justice for Family Law.   Commitment was given that a District Court Register would attend the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, every day on which Youghal District Court sits, to provide a Family Law service.  This gives assistance with application for protection Order, Safety Orders and Barring orders.  This commitment has been fulfilled and is fully utilised.  There is a separate room available in Youghal for this consultation, but not available in Dungarvan.  It is now envisaged that applicants will have to travel to Waterford City to lodge their applications.    4.      There would also be a lack of Gardaí in the town on court dates, which are already slack, if they must attend court in Dungarvan.  Stand in solidarity with the people of Youghal, sign the petition and take a stand. YOU CAN SIGN A HARD COPY AT YOUGHAL TOURIST OFFICE

Why is it important? Because none of us are safe under a mental health system that’s stuck in 2001. The Mental Health Act 2001 still allows forced treatment, restraint, and seclusion—even though these practices are now widely recognised as harmful, especially to neurodivergent people (like those with autism, ADHD, or trauma-related conditions). It treats emotional overwhelm as illness. It punishes difference as danger. This law was written before most people had smartphones. Before we had language for sensory overload, neurodivergence, or digital expression. It’s outdated, invasive, and not trauma-informed—and it puts thousands of people at risk every year. Why should others join? Because you don’t have to be in crisis to care. This campaign is about protecting our freedom, dignity, and human rights. It’s about making sure no one is silenced, secluded, or forcibly medicated for being misunderstood. If you’ve ever: • Had your feelings dismissed as “too much” • Been misdiagnosed • Been afraid to seek help because the system might punish you Then this campaign is for you. We need to audit the Mental Health Act 2001—and bring Ireland in line with modern science and EU human rights law. Join us. Share. Demand better. ACTIVATE. AGITATE. AMPLIFY!

Please sign this petition so that we can get the message across to the council that we miss Gwen, we miss our chats, we miss our coffee, and our dogs miss their treats! The more people who sign, the more likely it is that the council will take notice.  We are just at the start of the summer, it will be months before the tea rooms are ready to open. It seems so wrong to go a whole summer with no food and drink option in Blackrock Park. Gwen has built such a lovely community around the bandstand, we all chat while waiting to get our coffees, our dogs sit and wait patiently for their treats while we chat. That sense of community is slowly disappearing now Gwen has gone, we need it back. Please sign - thank you!

Facilitate right of passage to our beautiful natural amenity, beaches in arklow wicklow wexford etc are free to use

  Every year, thousands of people in Ireland are diagnosed with skin cancer — the most common and one of the most preventable cancers in the country. And yet, the one product proven to reduce that risk — sunscreen — is still taxed as if it's a luxury.  But SPF is not a luxury. It’s a lifesaving essential product.  Why should families, outdoor workers, and children pay extra to protect themselves from cancer?  Right now, sunscreen is subject to VAT in Ireland, making it harder for many to afford. This especially affects people with fair or sensitive skin, low-income families, and those who work outdoors.   It sends the wrong message: that sun safety is optional. It’s not.   If Ireland is serious about cancer prevention, it’s time to act. Making SPF VAT-free would be a simple, powerful change — one that could save lives.   We’re calling on the Irish government to treat sunscreen like the essential health product it is.  Join us in demanding that SPF be made an essential product and  VAT-free.   Because skin cancer is preventable and SPF is essential.  Because no one should be priced out of protecting their skin. Because we can make change together.   Please sign and share. Let’s protect more people, raise awareness, and show our government that this matters.