Commercial rates are placing many riding schools and equestrian centres under severe financial pressure. Some are considering ending riding lessons or closing completely. Riding centres require large arenas, stables, storage areas and car parks for safety and animal welfare. Large premises do not mean large profits. Car parks and other essential areas are being included in rateable valuations, increasing bills despite producing little or no direct income. Local riding centres are the grassroots foundation of Ireland’s equestrian industry. Without them, riding becomes accessible mainly to families who can afford their own horses. These centres provide healthy outdoor activity for children, particularly girls, while also supporting children with additional needs and disadvantaged young people. Equestrian properties reportedly contribute only about €1.7 million annually, representing less than 0.1% of national commercial-rates income. Removing or substantially reducing these charges would have minimal national impact but could protect an entire network of grassroots facilities. The campaign is calling for fair national legislation that recognises the unique nature and limited earning capacity of equestrian centres. Other TDs, councillors, MEPs and equestrian organisations should now support Ryan O’Meara and help bring the issue before Government. “If we allow local riding centres to disappear, we will lose the grassroots foundation of Irish equestrian sport. Please share this and ask your local representatives to support fair rates relief for equestrian centres.”

The Call:  UAR therefore calls on the Minister for Justice and the Oireachtas to clarify the following points: • The Bill justifies the increase from 5 to 8 years as a means to "establish a proportionate timeline that encourages steady economic and social integration before naturalisation." We request an in-depth explanation of why 8 years is considered necessary and why 5 years of lawful residence, tax contributions, community participation and family life are no longer sufficient evidence of integration. • The Bill allows the Minister for Justice to revoke citizenship on the basis of ‘national security.’ We have heard from Irish residents who are worried that such removals may be conducted against political dissenters, like the reprisals we have seen against pro-Palestine activists in the USA.  We request an explanation of what falls under ‘national security,’ and how the Minister of Justice intends to apply this provision of the Bill.  • Subsections 15(3)(a) and 15(3)(b) require that the naturalisation applicant, at the time of the application, to be in receipt of a ‘minimum’ level of income and to have not received social welfare for a period of two years. Given that migrants, and particularly vulnerable asylum seekers, often face labour restrictions that limit their income, and given that Ireland is experiencing a cost of living crisis in which 70% of young Irish adults are considering economic emigration, we find this provision of the Bill disturbing. We request clarification of the ‘minimum’ income required of naturalisation applicants and an explanation of how the government plans to support migrants in achieving economic stability in Ireland.  We request an answer to these questions in writing.  To ensure that a full explanation is delivered, including to any additional questions arising from the government’s written reply, we request that the Public Petition Committee host a public meeting on the matter with representatives of the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, and members of the Public Petition and Ombudsman Committee. We request that this meeting be broadcast on the Oireachtas channel, and that the minutes of that meeting be brought into the Dáil for possible further debate. Sincerely, United Against Racism and supporters.

Most of us are aware of the impacts that climate change and habitat loss are having on our bird species. However, it may come as a surprise to hear that hunting of rare bird species is legal in Ireland every winter under the Open Seasons Order. No adequate explanation has ever been given by authorities, but hunting remains a popular tourist attraction. While most of those paying for hunting trips are probably unaware of this issue, it's not acceptable that the National Parks and Wildlife Service issue licences for vulnerable bird species. Macroom District Environmental Group has deemed this "UNFAIR GAME!".  The Irish Government is failing to fulfil its environmental obligations under EU law. Hunting is yet another pressure on bird populations, but it can be addressed straight away.  Red-listed species such as Golden Plover, Snipe, Woodcock, Red Grouse and Shoveler should be immediately taken off the open season list as well as amber-listed species; Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal, Gadwall, Wigeon and Greylag Goose.

Join us in this vital call to action. Sign this petition to demand justice for Adam Idah and to champion fairness and respect within football. Let us show that racism has no place in our game, and take a collective stand for the values that bind us together.

In recent months, anti-social behaviour in and around the park has been escalating, including bonfires, intimidation, litter and fireworks being aimed at people and property.  Many residents and park users no longer feel safe, and parents are worried about their children using the park, particularly as Halloween approaches, when problems have been at their worst in previous years. In response, the Dr Ryan Community Group has been formed by Residents Associations and Neighbourhood Watch groups from neighbouring estates, along with St Laurence's National School and Sporting Greystones FC.  We can't solve this alone. We're asking the Council, our local councillors and An Garda Síochána to work with us NOW, so that Dr Ryan Park stays a safe, welcoming space for everyone. Please sign and share to show your support.

Climate impact LNG has a devastating impact on the climate because of the methane emissions released by fracking, cooling, shipping and regasifying it. It produces Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 33% higher than coal and, using Robert Howarth’s research, Stop Shannon LNG has estimated that importing and using LNG in Ireland could produce double the greenhouse gas emissions of the pipeline gas we currently import.   In a very cynical move, the legislation allowing for construction of the terminal - the Strategic Gas Reserve (SGR) Act - disapplies section 15 of the Climate Act. This means that relevant state bodies no longer need to have regard for ‘mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.  Furthermore, the SGR Act doesn’t prevent the proposed project from increasing gas demand and consumption. Neither does it block the operation of the terminal by commercial operators or  prevent the development of other LNG import terminals, such as the Shannon LNG project in Co. Kerry, which is currently awaiting a planning decision.  Any LNG terminals built would lock us  into a fossil fuel future. All this when you have already conceded, in a complete dereliction of duty, that Ireland will fail to meet its legally-binding carbon emissions reduction targets resulting in billions of taxpayer money in fines. The Energy Security Myth  The proposed LNG import terminal is being framed as a necessary energy security measure, only to be used in ‘emergencies’. However, as explained in a recent article in the Clare Champion, this is a myth. LNG is completely unsuited to storage due to boil off and the proposed terminal would need to be emptied into the gas grid and refilled at least 6 times a year.. Supply of LNG is vulnerable to weather-related disruption and geopolitical instability. In March, a powerful tropical cyclone in Western Australia disrupted production at the country’s two biggest LNG plants run by Chevron. And global LNG flows out of the Middle East were upended earlier this year by Iran’s blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.  Under the government's new Large Energy Users connection policy, gas demand for electricity generation could increase by 20% due to data centres. This would mean that if the data centres currently awaiting planning approval are given access to the gas grid, there could be a shortfall in Ireland’s gas supply of 9-18% during a period of severe cold. Evidently, an LNG terminal is not an energy security solution, rather it is being proposed to enable the continued, unsustainable growth of data centres. Real energy security for Ireland would mean indigenous renewable energy (particularly community owned), increased electricity storage and interconnection, demand management, demand reduction through energy efficiency and insulation measures and, crucially, a reduction in demand from data centres.  Fracking and Public Health The US could supply 80% of the LNG imported to Europe by 2030. and Donald Trump is pressuring Ireland to buy US LNG. Meanwhile, you have engaged in talks with the Governor of New Mexico to discuss long term purchasing of US fracked gas. The vast majority of US LNG is produced by fracking, which was banned in Ireland in 2017 due to its adverse impacts on the environment and public health. Communities in the US where LNG is produced through fracking are suffering from respiratory illness, cancer, reproductive issues, blood related disorders in children and mental health issues. These issues disproportionately affect disadvantaged and poorer communities, and communities of colour.  You must not allow Ireland to be complicit in this social injustice. Additionally, importing fracked gas would threaten our ban on fracking. Impact on Household Bills The proposed LNG terminal is estimated to cost taxpayers at least €900 million euro but could be far more. LNG itself is expensive and is likely to become far more expensive in the future.  This will increase electricity bills, but nowhere in the legislation is there reference to this impact from the proposed development, nor has there been any cost-benefit analysis conducted. Furthermore, the proposed development, because of its massive climate impact, would make it more certain that taxpayers in this country will be on the hook for EU fines up to €26 billion. It would also mean rising economic costs from worsening storms and floods in this country, including rising insurance premiums.  Security and Safety Risk Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of Predator Oil and Gas, said he would never live beside an LNG import terminal because of the risk of explosion. Floating LNG terminals, like the one being planned on your watch, are very vulnerable to attack and disruption. Just this summer, a US-owned LNG import terminal was attacked by a drone in Egypt, with the fire spreading to an LNG tanker.  These massive safety and security risks have not been addressed. As you must be well aware as Minister for Climate, LNG terminals, with their climate impact, also increase risk of floods, wildfires and sea-level rise, drought, food shortages, migration and geopolitical unrest. Undemocratic process You tried to block pre-legislative scrutiny on the SGR Act which paves the way for the proposed LNG terminal. Nonetheless, the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Climate, Environment and Energy identified a wide range of problems with the Act and made 43 recommendations in their Pre-Legislative Scrutiny Report. Almost none of these have been implemented. Now the Act gives you the authority to grant approval instead of An Comisiún Pleanála, even if the project is likely to have adverse impacts on a European site (e.g Natura 2000 site), a priority habitat or a priority species.You are also yielding to pressure from the US to enter into agreements with them on importing their fracked gas, thereby supporting their “America First”, “drill baby drill” policy, and undermining democracy world-wide. There is simply no scenario that justifies the construction of an LNG terminal in Ireland in this climate crisis. We, the undersigned, urgently call on you to abandon this project, ban LNG import terminals and accelerate Ireland’s transition to a just, fossil-fuel-free energy system.

People who follow Ireland’s immigration rules should not face months of uncertainty simply because the system does not have enough capacity to process their renewals promptly. Thousands of non-EEA residents in Ireland depend on their Irish Residence Permit (IRP) as evidence of their immigration permission. This includes international students, graduates, workers and families who study, work, pay taxes and contribute to communities across the country. The current delays are significant. Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) states that it is experiencing an “extremely large volume” of IRP renewal applications. As of September 2026, some Stamp 2 student applications being processed were applications submitted in July. ISD also states that the current approximate processing time for IRP renewals is around 10 weeks, with additional time potentially required for the new card to arrive.  These delays have real consequences. People can reach the expiry date of their current IRP while still waiting for a renewal they applied for on time. Although ISD provides temporary protections in certain circumstances, an expired physical IRP card can still create uncertainty around proving immigration status, employment and international travel. Visa-required nationals who leave Ireland before their renewal is completed may need to obtain a new entry visa to return, except where specific temporary arrangements apply.  International students face a particular difficulty: while most applicants can apply up to 12 weeks before their IRP expires, ISD states that Stamp 2 students must wait until their course starts before applying for renewal. This reduces their ability to avoid delays simply by applying months earlier.  The Government has already had to introduce temporary measures in response to renewal backlogs. In 2026, processing times exceeded 17 weeks for some categories, leading to an interim extension protecting the employment rights of people waiting for renewals.  This should not become normal. We are asking for a system that is efficient, properly resourced, transparent and capable of handling predictable demand. That should include substantially shorter processing times, sufficient staffing, clear processing targets and consideration of regional or local processing capacity where this could reduce pressure on the centralised system. International residents who comply with Ireland’s immigration requirements deserve a renewal system that works within a reasonable and predictable timeframe. Please sign this petition and help us call for a better IRP renewal system.

The Peace Proms is a school music programme with an annual concert. Children from all over the island of Ireland perform together and it is hugely enjoyable for the young participants. This year's repertoire features AI-composed music as part of the programme, as if it is being showcased. The development and largely undesired rollout of artificial intelligence technology carries huge ethical concerns. Environmental damage, use in surveillance and warfare, and threatening people's employment prospects to name but a few. By using AI-composed music, the leadership of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland are validating the use of this technology and promoting it to young people. 

Land beside our homes is zoned exclusively for hyperscale Data Centres. Two areas near Jigginstown and the M7 are zoned “P - Data Centre Only” in the Naas Local Area Plan (shown in purple below). The M7 Business Park site already has planning permission - granted by Kildare County Council and now under appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála. The Jigginstown site, which backs directly onto Primrose Garden, has no planning application yet. Once an application is lodged, it becomes more difficult to stop - that’s the lesson from the M7 site. Do you want to live this close to a data centre? WATER We’re currently living under a nationwide hosepipe ban and data centres are exempt from it. As commercial users, they can keep using water throughout. Data centres nationally have used over 1.7 billion litres of public water since 2024, and Uisce Éireann itself admits it can’t fully explain its own figures. CLOSE TO WHERE WE LIVE This land is next to homes, schools and horse studs. The Jigginstown site alone is over 7 times the area of Croke Park. Even with mitigation, developments this size bring 24-hour noise, lighting and years of heavy construction traffic. ELECTRICITY Data centres are already 21% of Ireland’s electricity. More data centres mean more pressure on the grid, more gas-fired backup power, and higher costs for all of us as billpayers and taxpayers. OUR ENVIRONMENT Ireland’s climate commitments have changed significantly since 2021 – grid capacity, water resilience and our carbon budgets are all under far more pressure now. If Ireland misses its EU climate targets, taxpayers pay the fines.

We need your support to insure that the much needed, accessible public swimming facility in Mullaghmore is: • Functional  • Respects both the environment in which it is located • Respects the rights of citizens to be actively and meaningfully involved in decision making at every stage of the planning process This structure has been described as a “wheelchair accessible swim shelter” by Sligo County Council; however, many people, including potential users of this facility, have identified several issues, and they are:  1. Functionality of the structure: (a) Facing into the prevailing west and south-west winds and rain, on high ground and thus cannot provide any significant shelter (b) Exposing swimmers, including women and children, to the gaze of passers-by on the main beach path, as they undress to go swimming. This will be exacerbated if the outdoor shower is installed. (c) Cannot be accessed or used by wheelchair users (d) Is not at a convenient distance to the shore for users (e) The seating area cannot be seen from the beach or shore, to monitor the safety of any personal possessions that might be left there (f) It is facing away from the view of the sea 2. Environmental Impact: The site on which this structure has been located is in close proximity to a Special Area of Conservation(SAC*). Mullaghmore beach is part of that SAC. Therefore, a publicly accessible, appropriate environmental assessment of the site, should have been produced before this structure was installed. *An SAC designation identifies a Special Area of Conservation, which is a protected natural site designated to safeguard rare, threatened, or vulnerable habitats and species of European importance. It has a legal basis because it was established under the European Union's Habitats Directive and is part of Natura 2000, a vast continent-wide network of protected nature sites. Damage has already been caused to the vegetation and the low cliff edge of the SAC, to the rear of the shelter, due to animals creating a shortcut to access the structure to use it as a scratching post (photographic and video evidence is available). Inevitably, the low cliff edge will erode further due to human and animal traffic on this new route and the impact of the elements on the cliff face. This will be exacerbated due to runoff if the outdoor shower is installed. Several more similar structures are planned to be installed around the coast of Ireland in association with Swim Ireland. Of the 5 structures already installed, the one on Portnablagh Pier, Co. Donegal, has recently fallen over. 3. Democracy: Almost no member of the local community, the potential users of this swim shelter, including local swimmers, visitors, local businesses or others with a genuine interest and/or concern for the development of this community, village and region, were consulted in a meaningful way about the planning, designing or implementation of this structure in this area. This structure is a public amenity and is not an exempted development; therefore, appropriate environmental assessment and meaningful public consultation should have taken place before the tender documents were signed for its construction and installation. Thousands of taxpayers' money has already been spent on this structure. The cost of the structure, with the proposed shower, is likely to be €12,500. According to the Government-issued Local Democracy Reforms policy, local authorities such as Sligo Co. Council should be engaging in “meaningful public consultation” so that those bodies “move away from mere ‘box-ticking’ toward genuine, early, and transparent community engagement”. A core standard for Meaningful Engagement is early Involvement: Local authorities are encouraged to “engage communities before project designs or policy paths are finalised, allowing public feedback to genuinely shape local plans”. 4 Aesthetics:  The current location of the structure is visible from the scenic route and picnic benches as it is positioned on the skyline, interrupting views of the sea, sky and landscape. This area is classified as a ”sensitive rural landscape ….. with a low capacity to absorb new development” according to the Sligo Co. Development Plan.

The new logo for Galway City Council lacks any meaning, even when tried to be justified. It is not easily identified as the GCC has claimed. And it is giving into minimalist ideas that lack soul, creativity, and what our city is all about, culture and welcoming.

Ireland aims to position itself as a global leader in AI adoption and innovation. PauseAI Ireland believes we must also be a global leader in AI regulation. A recent survey of AI researchers shows that over half of them think there's at least a 1 in 10 chance that AI could end all life on earth. We are calling for a pause on the development of the most dangerous AI systems until their builders can prove, to independent evaluators, that they are safe. No company should be allowed to deploy systems that reshape the economy, the information environment, and the balance of power without showing their work.   The burden of proof belongs with the people doing the building, not with the rest of us.