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.

For the future of EU citizens. 

Many drivers do not have enough time or appropriate notice to adjust their speed for the new lower limit. People are then being picked up by a fixed speed camera.  This situation can lead to drivers being penalised unfairly, even when they are trying to slow down responsibly. It is not about avoiding speed limits — it is about ensuring that the road layout and signage are clear and give drivers adequate time to react safely. While drivers are expected to be aware of their surroundings, road signage and speed limits should provide adequate time and distance for a reasonable person to respond safely. The current placement of the 100 km/h sign followed by the 80 km/h limit, creates a situation where even careful and attentive drivers may not have sufficient time to adjust their speed safely. This is not about blaming drivers — it is about ensuring the road layout and signage are designed to promote safety and fair enforcement for everyone. By joining this campaign, you are helping to make this road safer for everyone, prevent unfair penalties, and encourage clear, responsible signage that protects drivers and the local community.

🎥 This is my daughter speaking from Gaza: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/14YNDYcp6Xu/⁠� My children and I are living under constant threat in Gaza, with no safe place to go and no way to escape. Every day is a struggle to survive. She is living through fear and uncertainty every day, asking only for the chance to live safely, like any child in the world. Despite many desperate attempts to seek help, we have received no response. Your support could save my children’s lives and give us a chance to live in safety, dignity, and hope for the future. Please listen to her voice and help us find safety.

We, the undersigned, demand the immediate resignation of Micheál Martin from his position as Taoiseach. His recent public statements praising Winston Churchill as a "wartime hero" to President Donald Trump represent a profound betrayal of Irish history and the lived experiences of those impacted by Churchill’s colonial policies. ​By aligning himself with a narrow, revisionist view of history and cozying up to the Trump administration through such rhetoric, the Taoiseach has undermined Ireland’s neutral standing and its commitment to historical justice. Such comments display a staggering lack of sensitivity to the victims and their descendants of the Black and Tans or the Bengal Famine, proving he is no longer fit to represent the Irish people on the global stage.

"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.

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.