"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?”

It is not acceptable that camogie players are banned from wearing shorts. All we are looking for is choice. 

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 Israeli government are massacring the people of Gaza and make the place completely unliveable. By normalising Israelis participation in global events like the Eurovision - that states its values are democracy, solidarity and unity  is deeply cynical and amounts to art washing.  People who work in RTE are demanding that RTE's Director General agrees not to broadcast the Eurovision. A massive public outcry will send a powerful message that people in Ireland are behind them and are not standing by. 

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.

1. Public Safety: Poor signal can prevent people from making emergency calls or receiving critical alerts. In a growing town, reliable access to emergency services is essential. 2. Remote Work and Education: With more people working and studying from home, especially post-COVID, strong mobile data and tethering capabilities are vital. Weak signal directly impacts productivity and access to opportunity. 3. Economic Growth: Tramore is expanding, and businesses—especially tourism-related ones—rely on good connectivity for card payments, online bookings, communications, and marketing. Bad signal limits economic potential. 4. Social Inclusion: For residents who may not have access to broadband or prefer mobile internet, poor signal can lead to digital exclusion, affecting their ability to connect with family, services, or community. 5. Population Growth: As more people move into new housing developments, infrastructure needs to keep up. Mobile coverage should be considered an essential utility—just like water or electricity. 6. Tourism Impact: Tramore is a popular tourist destination, and visitors expect reliable service. Poor signal affects their experience and can harm the town’s reputation.

We need to show our support by demonstrating. We need to ensure humanitarian aid gets to the people of Palestine. 

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.

Kneecap are facing a torrent of abuse after their Coachella performance, where they used their platform to highlight the US’s involvement in the ongoing Genocide in Palestine, with some even calling for their US visas to be revoked. Kneecap has been highlighting the ongoing atrocities happening in Gaza since the formation of the group back in 2017. They have used their voice to raise awareness of the situation and to call out the people in power who are carrying out, paying for and supporting a Genocide. This abuse being directed at Kneecap is part of a wider effort to suppress artists' right to speak up on the issues that matter most to us all! We must take a stand against this wherever we see it. If we can get enough people signing this petition, we'll show that the people of Ireland stand with Kneecap and support their pro-Palestinian message.

Reading Recovery has faced growing criticism due to advances in the Science of Reading. Four decades after its introduction, New Zealand Education Minister Erica Stanford announced on 3 May 2024 that funding for Reading Recovery will end in 2025 (Newshub 2024, cited by Chapman and Turner 2024). Minister Stanford has been widely praised for her strong commitment to evidence-based policy in ending this harmful and outdated approach. Similarly, New South Wales discontinued all funding for Reading Recovery in 2016 due to serious concerns about its effectiveness and cost. Numerous U.S. states have also moved to ban or phase out Reading Recovery programs, citing its failure to produce lasting gains in literacy and alignment issues with Science of Reading research Quite frankly—and with all due respect—Minister Helen McEntee, the time has come to engage with the wealth of accessible research condemning this approach and take decisive action in Ireland. Please refer to my blog 'Reading Recovery: A Review of the Research' on www.muinteoirchloe.ie for a review of literature and listen to the 'Sold a Story' Podcast. https://www.muinteoirchloe.ie/blog/reading-recovery-a-review-of-the-research

Many people don’t realise that “dove releases” at funerals and weddings often involve white domestic pigeons that are not trained to navigate or survive. These birds are bred for appearance, not ability, and are frequently abandoned after the ceremony. Whether it doves or fancy pigeons, It’s a practice that’s both misleading and cruel. Families deserve the truth, and these birds deserve protection. By regulating or banning these unethical releases, we can prevent unnecessary suffering and hold providers accountable.

Catering services were removed from the Sligo-Dublin train at the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and despite assurances given by Irish Rail that they were to be restored to all Intercity services by the end of 2024 at the latest, they remain suspended.   The catering cart provides much needed refreshment and sustenance to individuals and families travelling on the 216km long journey which takes over 3-hours.   This is especially the case for people travelling from Sligo to Dublin on the early train, which departs Sligo at 05:40, before local shops and cafes open, and the last train from Dublin which arrives at 22:35, after they have closed.   A significant number of passengers utilising the rail service are elderly, or are travelling, often with children, in order to attend medical appointments. For these people, the absence of a catering cart represents a negative experience that exceeds inconvenience, and compromises the accessibility and quality of service on offer. https://www.uplift.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MyUplift-banner-politician-SVG.svg