As a family, we have experienced two major flooding incidents - our family home in Galway in September 2015 and my mother's home a number of years ago - followed by a near escape over Christmas in my mother's home. In the days following Christmas, we witnessed elderly people and families using sweeping brushes and wheelie bins to bail water in an attempt to protect their homes, homes that had already been destroyed a few years earlier. The impact on other communities around the country was, in this instance, far worse. Flooding, and the fear of it that permeates communities prone, is life -destroying. People need to be equipped and supported to protect their homes and businesses. The inevitability of these events needs to be conceded and the promises of action that we have been hearing needs to happen now. In terms of crisis response (prevention is a whole other story) in the immediate term; • There needs to be local co-ordination and a crisis response plan in areas that are prone to flooding, including a text alert system to people willing to help; • There should be a store of sand-bags in these areas. Easy-to-store sand-bags (five in a box about the size of a lap-top box) are now available, but these are generally distributed far too late. In our own case we got a delivery of sand-bags the day after the flood. That evening a local politician sourced them and while it wasn’t too late, it would have been far better if they had been available earlier; • At one stage the fire brigade brought a small pump and generator and this cleared the water out of the worst affected homes in a few minutes – work that had taken us all night. These should be available in all flood prone areas and training provided to local people to be able to use it; • People in these areas should receive grants to install flood-barriers – these work unless the flood is overwhelming; • Guarantees that either insurance companies will be required to provide flood insurance or a national insurance fund is established.

In spite of E.U. sanctions against Russia for their role in destabilising Ukraine and annexing parts of the country, on December 7th, 2015, a 16-strong trade delegation led by Minister of State Sean Sherlock under the auspices of the Joint Economic Commission – Russia/Ireland, went to Moscow "to build on our existing excellent relationships"(1). Meanwhile Russia is bombing and killing hundreds of innocent civilians in Syria. According to the respected Syria Network for Human Rights, Russian airstrikes since September 30th until December 1st, 2015, have targeted markets, mosques, bakeries, killing 583 individuals - 570 of whom were civilians, including 152 children and 60 women. A recent report from Human Rights Watch also highlighted Russian extensive use of cluster bombs (2). The Convention on Cluster Munitions which banned their use under any circumstances, was actually adopted in Dublin on 30th May 2008. Their use also violates United Nations Resolution 2139 which demanded that all parties involved in Syria end “indiscriminate employment of weapons in populated areas" (3). Russia also vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court (4). The Amnesty International report of December 23rd, 2015, in effect corroborates and elaborates on the substance of these earlier (SNR, HRW) reports in laying out egregious violations of human rights and international law perpetrated by the Russian military. Please sign this petition to ensure that our government does not support the lifting of current E.U. sanctions against Russia when they are due for renewal. 1. http://www.intellinews.com/irish-government-gets-primed-for-lifting-of-sanctions-against-russia-86361 Irish government gets primed for lifting of sanctions against Russia 2. https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/12/20/russia/syria-extensive-recent-use-cluster-munitions Russia/Syria: Extensive Recent Use of Cluster Munitions 3. http://www.un.org/press/en/2014/sc11292.doc.htm Security Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution 2139 (2014) to Ease Aid Delivery to Syrians, Provide Relief from ‘Chilling Darkness’ 4. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-27514256 Russia and China veto UN move to refer Syria to ICC

Following Donald's Trump's anti-immigrant position, we, as a nation of emmigrants, cannot allow such ignorant and hateful actions which inspire fear and hatred as well as justified anger. We are part of EU and we are on the front-lines at the moment. We must welcome ALL people no matter their religion/beliefs as long as they are not out to harm others or incite hate. I am starting this campaign because Donald Trump is an inciter of hate and fear and should not be allowed a stage to cause further divisiveness among peoples of the world. Therefore, I am asking you to sign this petition to ban Donald Trump from being allowed to visit The Republic of Ireland for any reason.

Parents often need to use the emergency clinic for their children. Not being able to find out where to go or to be able to get through is really frustrating.

"There were 18 fatalities on Galway roads in 2025, which was a significant increase (360%) compared to 5 deaths in 2024. This made Galway one of the counties with the highest road fatality rates per capita in Ireland during that year." This was reported in the Connaught Tribune earlier this year. Lackagh Village,  has grown into a vibrant community. Every day, a large volume of traffic speeds through our Village, and this has become a significant concern for the safety and well-being of our residents - young and old. In particular, Lackagh is home to important community fixtures such as our local school, supermarket, and church, all of which are positioned along this busy road. Additionally, our Village footpath is used daily by walkers, runners, and those traveling to  hurling and football. With so many people relying on this pathway, the lack of traffic calming measures and a pedestrian crossing is a real hazard and an accident waiting to happen, given that people are constantly crossing the road to gain access to main amenities. It is crucial for us to address these safety concerns before it is too late. We need to improve the quality of life for everyone in Lackagh Village. We are calling on our local politicians to take immediate action by installing traffic calming measures and a much-needed pedestrian crossing. This will not only protect the safety of our children, elderly residents, and families but also preserve the community's sense of security and peace. By signing this petition, you will help convey to our political representatives that the safety of our community is non-negotiable. Let's encourage them to take serious steps in ensuring Lackagh Village is safer and more accessible for all. Please show your support by signing today, and together, we can make a difference. 

1. Lower costs for schools and families 💰 Bus hire and fuel costs have risen significantly. A blitz format means fewer journeys, which helps: • Schools with tight budgets • Parents who sometimes contribute to transport costs • Small rural schools that travel long distances 2. More equal access to sport ⚖️ Some schools may reduce participation because they cannot afford multiple trips. Blitz days help ensure all children still get to play, not just those in schools that can afford transport. 3. Less disruption to the school day ⏰ Instead of leaving school early for several matches during the term, blitz days allow: • Multiple games in one day • Less class time lost • Easier planning for teachers. 4. Better experience for children 🎉 Blitz events often feel like a festival of sport. Children get: • Several games in one day • More playing time • A fun team atmosphere with many schools together. 5. Environmental benefits 🌍 Fewer bus journeys mean: • Less fuel used • Lower emissions • A more sustainable way to run school competitions. 6. Protecting school GAA during difficult times 🏐 If travel costs continue to rise, some schools might cut back participation entirely. A blitz format helps keep competitions alive and affordable.

We recognise the vital work Women’s Aid Ireland does to support survivors of domestic abuse. However, its ongoing partnership with Allianz raises serious ethical concerns.  Since 2021, Allianz has funded campaigns with Women’s Aid Ireland including World’s Strongest Women, Dead Flower Shop, and Valentine’s initiatives promoting healthy relationships. The partnership, renewed in 2025, is expected to continue until at least 2028, with approximately €1 million committed.  At the same time, Allianz has faced sustained criticism for financial links connected to Israel’s actions in Palestine. Reports have highlighted concerns including:  • Asset managers purchasing large volumes of Israeli government bonds used to finance military operations  • Investments in military-linked companies such as Elbit Systems, which supplies weapons and surveillance technology  • Insurance coverage for companies involved in Israeli military and security projects  Meanwhile, the reality facing women in Gaza is devastating. According to United Nations agencies and UN Women:  • Women and children make up the majority of those killed  • Around one million women and girls have been displaced  • Women are giving birth without access to safe hospitals, clean water, or adequate medical care  Violence against women is not only interpersonal; it is also enabled by systems of political and economic power.  Continuing a partnership with a company accused of financial involvement in systems contributing to the death, displacement, and suffering of women in Palestine undermines the values of solidarity and safety that Women’s Aid represents.  We therefore call on Women’s Aid Ireland to:  • End its partnership with Allianz  • Ensure all funding relationships align with human rights and ethical principles  • Stand consistently with women everywhere — including Palestinian women  Solidarity with women must be universal. No woman’s safety should be selective.

The government is proceeding with their plans to ratify CETA, with the Investor Court System (ICS) section, which is an infringement on Irish juridical sovereignty. They are amending the Arbitration Act to overcome this, and are in the final stages of doing so(1). The the danger with an ICS is that it could threaten or prevent future government measures to deal with the housing crisis, the health service or the environement /climate crisis. In 2021 Wicklow Co Co passed a Motion calling on the Government not to proceed with CETA, and next week at the February 9th meeting there will be another motion  an Emergency Motion, calling on them to think again and withdraw the Arbitration Amendment. And we are asking you to lobby your Councillors to support it  (1) https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/bills/bill/2025/74/

For a breakthrough in addressing the root causes of today’s challenges an ecosystem science-policy interface approach should: 1) define the problems in the core of the “boiling pot”, instead of reducing them to the bubbles on the surface (fragmented issues, reduced academic formats, segmented policies, effects); 2) consider all dimensions of being in the world (intimate, interactive, social and biophysical), assessing their deficits and assets, as they combine to elicit, maintain or transform the events; 3) promote the singularity of (identity, proper characteristics) and the reciprocity (mutual support) of all dimensions, in view of their complementarity and dynamic equilibrium; 4) be committed to a critical analysis of present paradigms of growth, power, wealth, work and freedom embedded into the political, technological, economic, educational and cultural institutions; 5) in the socio-cultural learning niches, heuristic-hermeneutic processes should generate awareness, interpretation and understanding beyond established stereotypes, from a thematic (“what” is at stake), an epistemic (“how” to understand and define the events) and a strategic (who, when, where) viewpoint. Earth’s and humanity's regeneration, as faces of the same coin, should be addressed simultaneously, for their mutual support. Ref.: PILON, A. F. (2024). The Bubbles or the Boiling Water? A Course on Environmental Capacity Building [ppt presentation] Research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381996602_The_Bubbles_or_the_Boiling_Water_A_Course_on_Environmental_Capacity_Building

Flooding causing unnecessary distress, damage and disruption. Have you ever seen drains being cleared ever? They should be cleared regularly to prevent debris building up and preventing them draining water, particularly during heavy rains. 

To get him impreached

1. Justice and Accountability Jamie’s family has repeatedly experienced poor communication, delays, and last-minute cancellations from the Gardaí. Supporting this campaign demands that public institutions follow proper procedure and respect families’ rights. People join to ensure that no family has to endure what we have endured. 2. Transparency in Public Institutions An independent review ensures decisions and actions are clear, not hidden or inconsistent. People care about trust in policing and public bodies, which is weakened when families are ignored or misled. 3. Mental Health and Human Dignity Repeated procedural failures have caused real trauma and mental distress for Jamie’s family. Supporting the campaign shows solidarity for families who are grieving and vulnerable, and sends the message that bureaucracy should never worsen grief. 4. Systemic Change This isn’t just about Jamie; it’s about fixing the system for everyone. By joining, people help create clearer processes, better communication, and accountability for all future families in similar situations. 5. Empowering Citizens Public support amplifies your voice to TDs, ministers, and media. When people sign, share, or tag influential figures, it increases pressure on decision-makers to act.