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 It’s outdated, invasive, and not trauma-informed—and it puts thousands of people at risk every year.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.  

"Someone from France, Germany, Spain or any other EU country can be living here, paying taxes, and affected by the same issues as everyone else from housing to childcare, but without a voice in national elections. Because they are EU citizens already, they have no reason to go through a long and expensive process of naturalising again as Irish citizens, and why should they?”

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

May 1st 2025 is a significant day for the world's workers and peace activists, many of whom are joining together to commend and support what is also the final day of Nobel Peace Laureate Mairéad Corrigan Maguire's 40 days of fasting and prayer against the global scourge of war, injustice and genocide. Mairéad's protest followed Israel unilaterally ending the ceasefire without warning, resuming a policy of genocide and ethnic cleansing that has inflicted brutal levels of death and destruction on Gaza's unarmed and defenceless civilian population, many of whom are children.  Fearlessly calling out the impunity accorded Israel by many governments, including the United States, Britain and the European Union, who also provide money, arms and silent complicity, Mairéad ceaselessly seeks to stop the madness of poverty, cruelty, militarism and war. يُعد الأول من مايو 2025 يومًا ذا أهمية كبيرة لعمال العالم ونشطاء السلام، حيث يجتمع العديد منهم لتكريم ودعم ما يُصادف أيضًا اليوم الأخير من صيام وصلاة الحائزة على جائزة نوبل للسلام، ميريد كوريغان ماغواير، التي استمرت 40 يومًا احتجاجًا على آفة الحرب والظلم والإبادة الجماعية في العالم. جاء احتجاج ميريد بعد أن أنهت إسرائيل من جانب واحد وقف إطلاق النار دون سابق إنذار، واستأنفت سياسة الإبادة الجماعية والتطهير العرقي، ما أسفر عن مستويات وحشية من الموت والدمار بحق سكان غزة المدنيين العزّل، وكثيرٌ منهم من الأطفال. ومن خلال شجاعتها في فضح الإفلات من العقاب الذي تتمتع به إسرائيل من قِبَل العديد من الحكومات، بما في ذلك الولايات المتحدة وبريطانيا والاتحاد الأوروبي، والذين يساهمون بالأموال والأسلحة ويتواطؤون بصمت، تسعى ميريد بلا كلل إلى وقف جنون الفقر والقسوة والعسكرة والحرب.

Gambling has ruined so many lives. Broke up marriages,  homes repossessed, jobs lost. Gambling can be a silent addiction and is not visible to lots of people. A gaming/ gambling arcade in a rural town is the last thing we need.

The Tenant-in-Situ (TiS) scheme was created to prevent homelessness by allowing local authorities to purchase homes where tenants are at risk of no-fault evictions. But right now, it’s failing the people it was meant to protect. Instead of keeping renters in their homes, the scheme is underfunded, tied up in red tape and restricted by narrow criteria. Local authorities are often unable to buy properties in high-demand areas, even when the tenant qualifies — simply because they’re priced out or the home needs renovation. This is despite the fact that an estimated 75% of rental properties don’t meet minimum housing standards. People are being forced out of their homes, away from their communities, schools, doctors and support networks — not because it’s inevitable, but because the system isn’t working. Tenant-in-Situ should be a powerful tool for prevention — not just a box-ticking exercise. It's time to fix it so individuals and families facing eviction can truly stay in their homes and communities. ✍️ Sign this petition and help us hold the government accountable.#MakeTiSWork  #TenantInSitu #HomesNotEvictions #HousingCrisis #FixTheSystem Firsthand Accounts from CATU Members Affected by the Failed Tenant-in-Situ Scheme: Jenny Roche, a CATU member who was denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme, commented: “A scheme like Tenant-in-situ cannot work effectively without the ability to compel both local authority and landlord to engage, possibly in a CPO-type arrangement. Otherwise tenants- regardless of length of tenure - are at the whim of landlord greed in a 'sky's the limit' property market and/or local authority ineffectiveness. My own experience of 9 months of hope dashed 5 days before our notice of termination came due because the landlord refused the council's offer was devastating. My family had been tenants of the house for almost 20 years and the landlord expected us to vacate immediately. I had been advised by the office of my local TD Catherine Connolly's office that the scheme was 'a joke' and that proved to be the case.” Amelia Melanson, CATU member, added: “The Government’s policy not to refurbish homes is a failed opportunity to upgrade Ireland’s housing stock, which is in terrible condition. Nearly three-quarters of privately rented properties inspected by local authorities fail to meet minimum standards. Denying tenants this scheme due to refurbishment costs effectively punishes them for their landlord’s neglect. Moreover, in a housing crisis and in a climate crisis, we should not just be focused on building more housing but ensuring that existing property is safe and liveable for tenants.” Another CATU member who is facing eviction after being denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme commented: “It’s terrifying to be in this position – knowing we have nowhere else to go. It’s devastating to realise that even when you’ve done everything right – paid your rent, built a life, raised your child in a community – the system can still turn its back on you. The uncertainty is affecting every part of our lives: my ability to parent, maintain friendships, and keep working. We’re stuck in limbo – we can’t make plans, we don’t know what’s coming, and we’re carrying the weight of a crisis we didn’t create. I live every day with the fear of losing our home.” Catarina Koch, CATU member commented: “We need an eviction ban now. Eviction does not just force people out of their homes. It forces people away from their school, their livelihood, and their support network. The Tenant in Situ scheme is another powerful tool to keep people in their communities and out of homelessness. Instead of expanding this vital safety net, the Government is slowly restricting it so that fewer tenants can avail of the scheme. The Government should be listening to people who have been denied this scheme to understand what the real problems are and understand how to make Tenant in Situ work.” Another CATU member who is facing eviction after being denied the Tenant in Situ Scheme commented:“I’ve gone back to college as a part-time mature student while also working. I’ve fought tooth and nail to build a life for me and my child — to keep a roof over our heads through everything, even during illness and unemployment. I never missed a rent payment, never missed a bill. I always made sure the landlord was paid first. I’ve held this household together completely on my own, with no family support, for over a decade. Through sheer grit and determination, I’ve managed to improve our lives — only to now have our security and stability ripped away. All those years of sacrifice, of blood, sweat, and tears — it feels like they meant nothing. The housing crisis sends a cruel message: even your absolute best is never enough.” No one should have to face eviction alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by a failed Tenant-in-Situ case or is facing the threat of homelessness, get in touch with CATU: [email protected]

Roberta Murray and  Shane O’Brien are Irish activists facing deportation from Germany, ordered to leave by April 21, 2025. Two other activists, Cooper Longbottom (US) and Kasia Wlaszczyk (EU) have also been issued orders. For the sole reason of protesting Germany’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Palestine, Berlin’s Senate Administration has ordered their expulsion, arbitrarily accusing them of "antisemitism" and supporting "terrorist organisations".  Neither of them has a criminal record. Lawyers for their case are trying to secure court injunctions in an attempt to stop the orders. They have appealed the deportation orders on the grounds that they undermine civil liberties for EU citizens living in Germany, as neither have been convicted of any criminal offences in the German courts. This is not justice. Their lawyer, Alexander Gorski, said the allegations were “unfounded”.  Owing to the lack of criminal conviction, under EU law, this is a “removal of the right to free movement”, despite EU citizens being allowed to move freely between EU member states. This is an unprecedented escalation with dire implications. These escalations should alarm movements confronting state violence everywhere. Their deportation is a political act.  This is not the first instance of Germany weaponising migration law.  Arbitrary arrests made at protests, combined with false charges, are used as pretexts to justify extrajudicial deportation measures, circumventing any notion of independent judicial process and the rule of law. We categorically condemn Germany's complicity in genocide and reject these unlawful measures. We are calling for members of the Oireachtas to condemn this politically motivated action. We stand in solidarity with all those—in Ireland, in Germany and globally—facing persecution for their support for the Palestinian people. From Gaza to Berlin, the struggle continues. No deportation will stop us.  Within our lifetime, Palestine will be free! Read the Full statement here: Statement Read the Irish Times article: Times Online Listen to the Interview on RTE: Morning Ireland Read the RTE article: RTE Online Read the Independent article: Independent Online

The decision-making of the absentee Chief Inspector, Carol Grogan, if left to stand, will result in catastrophic job losses in Ocean View. There are currently 27 elderly, vulnerable, and frail persons from our community waiting for placement in the wonderful Ocean View. Let them do their work which they do very well with dedication and love. We ask for the unbalanced regulatory decision-making to end. Chief Inspector, stop your unreasonable interference affecting the Centre at a local level. We give our full support to save Ocean View and the jobs of the 44 employees currently employed in the nursing home. Save Ocean View Jobs for the Dingle Peninsula. Save these local facilities employees for the people of the Corca Dhuibhne region, our local Community and beyond.

This government is bending the rules because of some secret deal with Michael Lowry and his group of independents. Together we need to speak up for politics we can trust and have respect for.