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Keep the cycle lane on Shannon BridgeCovid 19 infection rates are rising again. The crisis is not over and requirements for social distancing are still vital. Any removal of mobility measures designed to facilitate safe movement into the city is dangerously premature. Shannon Bridge is a crucial transport corridor for schools. Over 3,500 children will soon travel to schools directly served by Shannon Bridge. Provision must be made for safe active travel to these schools. This is mandated by the National Transport Authority, Green Schools Ireland, and the Department of Education; The Department of Transport guidelines state 'use public transport only for essential journeys, walk or cycle if possible.' The COVID-19 Response Plan by the Dept. of Education for the safe and sustainable reopening of Primary and Special Schools states 'promote alternative means for children to get to school in a safe way, including walking, cycling and more generally in reducing the impact on public transport'. (July 2020). The Green Schools Plan 'An Ideas Document for Safe Access to Schools' also reiterates the need to prioritize active travel, including walking and cycling, and suggests the implementation of 'a cycle bus or walk-and-stride facilities'. (July 2020). In installing a cycle lane to provide safe travel for cyclists and a safer passage for pedestrians along the pathway- now insulated from motor vehicles- the Council has acknowledged the need for such infrastructure. Removal of such infrastructure is a retrograde step for the Council, when other local authorities across the country are introducing cycle infrastructure to support people who cycle and those that want to cycle but feel its unsafe to do so due to fear of accident, driver hostility and current route layout. Up to 40 children and parents from the Cycle Bus (which serves 2 primary schools in the city centre) use the inbound lane to cross the Shannon each morning on route to school and work. Before the lane was opened exclusively to cyclists and pedestrians, these children shared a lane of traffic with cars, vans, buses and HGV’s on a daily basis. It was, all would agree, the most unsafe aspect of the Cycle Bus’ journey each morning. If Limerick wants to support the increasing numbers of people cycling, then the Council must support 'people first' measures like maintaining a safe segregated cycle lane on one of our bridges.1,206 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Limerick Cycle Bus Limerick Cycling Campaign Limerick Pedestrian Network
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Stop quarry application near new special needs schoolThe noise pollution, dust, and traffic a quarry only 1/2 a kilometre away from the school would create throughout the day would be detrimental to the peaceful, quiet, and healthy learning environment needed for students with special needs. This is a new school being built, and nearly completed, at a location designed especially for these special students with various disabilities. The quarry application must be denied as such to protect the rights of these disabled students with special needs.935 of 1,000 SignaturesCreated by Tracy McGinnis
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Restore Public Transport from Clonmel to DublinOn 2nd April, 2017, while Bus Eireann drivers were on strike, Bus Eireann axed the X7 service from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. At that time both Bus Eireann and JJ Kavanagh & Sons were operating services from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. Since that time JJ Kavanagh & Sons have continued the service. However, since Covid-19 JJ Kavanagh & Sons suspended this service mid-March and left commuters in the Clonmel area without a bus service to Kilkenny and Dublin. This highlights the results and consequences of privatiisation, where profit come first and foremost and people's needs are seen as irrelevant. This is why we need a proper publicly funded bus service from Clonmel to Dublin that will serve the needs of those living in Clonmel and it's environs.102 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Anne Wall
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Restore Public Transport from Clonmel to DublinOn the 2nd April, 2017, while Bus Eireann drivers were on strike, Bus Eireann axed the X7 Expressway service from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. At that time both Bus Eireann and JJ Kavanagh & Son were operating services from Clonmel to Dublin Airport. Since that date JJ Kavanagh & Son have operated the service, however due to Covid -19 the service has been suspended since mid March. Leaving commuters with no bus service from Clonmel to Kilkenny and Dublin. There are no talks of JJ Kavanagh resuming the service in the near future. This outcome has highlighted the dangers and consequences of privatisation, whereby profit is put first and foremost and peoples needs become irrelevant. This is why the X7 needs to be re-instated and a proper publicly funded bus service offered to those living in and around the Clonmel area.4 of 100 SignaturesCreated by Anne Wall
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Save our community treeOur community park is for everyone. The one and only free standing tree that has been in the park for decades is about to be cut down. This tree is at risk as it is close to the proposed new tennis courts. While we welcome the Tennis Club, there is no need to remove the tree, as plans could be easily be altered. This majestic tree has offered a quiet sanctuary to passers by, families and spectators of sporting activities down through the years. It has offered shelter and shade during lockdown and is a meeting point for many in the park. We would appreciate your support. By signing this petition you are helping to ensure that this tree will be protected for further generations to enjoy in the years to come.604 of 800 SignaturesCreated by Susan Rowland
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Restore Portlaw Bus ServicePublic transport is essential. 2000 people in Portlaw have no bus service since March. This is extremely worrying not just for those without cars but with Schools and Colleges gearing up for return in less than a month,people need real public transport. The wider community also need to access urban centres for work,healthcare and services.201 of 300 SignaturesCreated by Una Dunphy
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Petition to Donedeal.ie to Stop Sale of Animals Permanently.It is my opinion that by preventing the advertising of animals for sale on Donedeal.ie this will help to distrupt the sale of stolen animals which has now become a nationwide problem. These animals are fetching large sums of money and this is encouraging theft of peoples pets. There is a demand and there is a criminal element prepared to exploit that demand. The petition is also aimed at raising awareness of the fact that there are shelters full of animals across the island of Ireland and there is simply no need to pay such prices for a pet.232 of 300 SignaturesCreated by S McCormack
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Restrictive Intervention and seclusion of children and young people with additional needs; NISchools across Northern Ireland are entrusted with the learning and well being of some of the most vulnerable children into their care. The recent private member's motion tabled by Alliance Party's Mr Chris Little, Member of Local Assembly and Department of Education Committee Chair, highlights the need to discuss the use of unregulated restrictive interventions and seclusion applied to children with additional needs and learning disabilities across schools in Northern Ireland. As a parent of a child who experienced unregulated restraint and seclusion in his previous special school, I would encourage you to consider the everyday harm caused by restraint and seclusion. I urge you to understand the importance of addressing this issue and to take action by asking your MLA to support the motion as an urgent non- political matter which affects all children and young people in receipt of education and support services. The current policies for managing behaviours of concern in schools stem from disciplinary guidance which is used to deal with misbehaviour or truancy. In practice this means children with additional emotional and support needs routinely experience restrictive interventions that range from coercive practices, to restraint and seclusion (including use of dark rooms) to manage and control behaviours of concern, frequently described as "challenging behaviour". Restrictive intervention are often applied without malice, as a result of training provided to schools and support staff. Such training is reportedly delivered to train teachers and support staff in how to intervene with children by the use of restraint or seclusion in a crisis. However, lack of adequate resourcing reportedly results in the use of 'crisis management' strategies on a daily basis - without regulation, recording or reporting to parents and families. This causes distress and everyday harm for our children and young people. Deescalation training and low arousal approaches such as those outlined by Professor Andy McDonnell (www.studio3.org) are examples of alternative strategies best suited to a child-friendly educational environment. These techniques offer an earlier intervention approach to support and reduce the need for hands on or confrontational and distressing physical interventions. Low arousal approaches to support prevent everyday harm. In contrast the reliance on the use of restraint or seclusion in health, social care and schools has been shown to traumatise children and young people who are often already vulnerable due to disabilities. There have to date been several reports published on the significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and in some tragic cases even death. Reports below from Ireland and UK:- https:///www.challengingbehaviour.org.uk/driving-change/rrisclaunch.html http://www.inclusionireland.ie/content/news-items/1707/launch-shining-light-seclusion-and-restraint-schools Scotland and England have been campaigning on the prevention of restraint and seclusion. Beth Morrison of PABSS/ICARS worked alongside the University of Warwick analysing case studies from many families where their children had experienced significant harm on a daily basis by the use of restraint or seclusion in the course of their education. The harrowing findings of this report was launched at the House of Lords by Lady Sheila Hollins in February. The Department of Education have a Nurture Initiative to support the social and emotional needs of children with behaviour difficulties, which might otherwise create barriers in their education. We ask that restraint and seclusion be eradicated from all but last resort/crisis interventions. Instead of restrictive practices, ''nurturing'' children and young people with additional needs and learning disabilities seeks to provide a hands off, harm free environment. Thank you for supporting children and young people with additional support needs and intellectual disabilities, ensuring a safer, supported education where every child can thrive. Show your support on Twitter #EverydayHarm. See the British Association of Social Work NI's Twitter post - in opposition to restrictive interventions bit.ly/2Pe5IE0 and the supporting briefing paper for the private member's motion bit.ly/3jVLoQp "Difference is of the essence of humanity and therefore respect for that difference should be very very normal and very common" John Hume, Nobel Laureate.329 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Deirdre Shakespeare
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Save The Globe, Ri Ra and Georges Street as we know it!The Central Hotel is a landmark protected building built in 1887 and The Globe and RiRa, The Library Bar have become iconic institutions on Georges street Dublin is a progressive and thriving city and that's a positive thing but these spaces have historical and cultural significance to locals and visitors alike and should not be replaced by yet another sterile, soulless hotel for tourists. If we keep chipping away at the soul of the city there will be nothing left worth visiting. Dublin once boasted the longest remaining Georgian Terrace in the world until it was demolished and replaced by the hideous eyesore that is The ESB Building in the 60s. Once these buildings are torn down there's no going back! Let's not let history repeat itself Please sign and share and take care1,913 of 2,000 SignaturesCreated by Cat Irvine
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Criminalise illegal possession of animals & illegal animal black marketWe all hear devastating news all over social media, news agencies and our friends. Dog fights, animal theft ,animal trafficking and illegal animal sale are the main reason of theft of our beloved four legged friends. We need to ensure that dog owners in Ireland don’t live in fear of their pets been stolen from their homes. To ensure safety of dogs, cats and their owners laws should be stricter in Ireland to prevent theft and end this nonsense of pet robberies that are going out of control. It’s time for the government to respond.324 of 400 SignaturesCreated by Kamil Szmerdt
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Private Small Bus Operators Of IrelandOur industry moves Ireland , school children,Airports, train stations ,Ports ,Government Departments infant when groups of people need to be moved around we are the industry that does it . We are the ones that move Ireland with out us no one gets to their destinations in one vehicle . Our full size bus takes 6 cars of the road for every full size Coach .We transport school children on a daly basis .Our precious daily cargo is people dont wait till its to late when the operators are no longer in business . School transport have been totally ignored in relation to getting back on the road and having extra cleaning time cleaning equipment and not funding. Refund on vehicles that have been parked up since March on road tax,cvrt or extenstions Allowing this industry claim vat on all business like our counter parts in Northern Ireland.861 of 1,000 SignaturesCreated by Silverlining Coach Hire
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Keep our schools safe- face masks strongly advised!Public Health advise currently advises on social distancing of 2m and the wearing of face masks/coverings in public settings when indoors. Schools fall into this category and it is very apparent that social distancing will not be possible at 2m and unlikely in many settings at 1m. We need to afford our students and teachers and school ancillary staff the same HSA and health guidelines as other workers. Let’s keep our schools safe and open- the virus is airborne and therefore the safest return to school includes the wearing of face masks/coverings In classrooms and crowded indoor school settings.151 of 200 SignaturesCreated by Siobhan Ní Dhubhlainn