By signing this petition, you are lending support to help with some challenges our local soccer club, Sporting Greystones Football Club, is currently facing. Sporting Greystones FC is a young, community-focused grassroots football club that provides local children with the opportunity to learn and play football. Despite having over 300 playing members and 40 active volunteers, we are facing significant challenges due to limited resources and facilities: 1. Overcapacity and Waiting Lists: We have over 100 children on waiting lists because our current facilities cannot accommodate everyone. 2. Insufficient Access to Local Facilities:   PITCHES - We have a long term leased grass pitch at Dr Ryan Park that is not of sufficient size to accommodate 11 a side football and we have to travel to Kilmacanogue to hire private pitches.    TRAINING  - We are restricted to only 2 hours of evening use on the council-owned astro turf pitch at Dr Ryan Park. Extending access by just 1 hour (until 9pm) would allow additional training slots at no extra cost. 3. Logistical and Financial Burden: We are forced to train in 5 different locations and play home games in two, which is unsustainable environmentally (adding to our carbon footprint) and economically by skyrocketing the costs for a volunteer-led club. 4. Urgent Facility Upgrades Needed: • Secure storage for equipment and goalposts. • Provision of sufficient LOCAL facilities so that we don't have to leave the area to train or play HOME matches  • Proper floodlights at Dr Ryan (currently relying on inadequate battery-operated lights). • General upkeep and modernisation of existing facilities. 5. Call for Support from Politicians and Council:  We need elected representatives to advocate for increased facility access, improved infrastructure, and long-term planning for community needs We are calling on Wicklow County Council and local representatives to prioritise community-focused solutions so we can continue to serve our young players. We want to work with the community to achieve this - Please sign this petition to show your support for Sporting Greystones FC and help us secure the resources and facilities our club and community desperately need!  Together, we can ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in football in OUR community. If you are in any way able to support us further on this, please contact [email protected] Kind Regards, The greater Sporting Greystones FC community

Last week, Conor McGregor was found liable in a civil case for sexual assault. Afterwards, Nikita Hand said she hoped the outcome of her case would encourage other victims to speak up. McGregor was ordered to pay Hand €248,000 in damages – but he'll make that money back in no time thanks to his alcohol brands Forged Irish Stout and Proper Twelve whiskey.  Carry Out off licences is Ireland's biggest off licence brand. Days after McGregor was found liable, Carry Out off licences are still selling his products.  If we can get enough people signing, we can demand that Carry Out off licences stop selling Forged Irish Stout and Proper Twelve whiskey – and together, we'll hit Conor McGregor's bottom line.

Child trafficking is taking place every day in communities across Ireland and is having a profound impact on those who are trafficked, their families and the wider community. It is time for action. Children as young as 7 and 8 years old are being trafficked into criminal activitiy.  

We can stay on GMT time and stay in line with the other countries on our meridians and parallels.  I have asked Chat GPT to find out what he can about the adverse affects, as they have been long affecting me, myself and I am sure others. Read this:  The disruption caused by Daylight Saving Time (DST) can have various effects on people’s health, well-being, and daily routines. One of the most immediate consequences is the shift in sleep patterns. When clocks are set forward in the spring, people lose an hour of sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation and increased fatigue. This disruption can affect cognitive performance, mood, and alertness, particularly in the days following the transition. Studies have shown that the risk of car accidents and workplace injuries increases after the time change due to reduced sleep and impaired concentration. In addition to sleep issues, DST has been linked to negative health effects. Research has shown an uptick in the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and even mental health challenges in the days following the time change. The abrupt shift can also alter circadian rhythms, which regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to disturbances that may take several days to recover from. This is especially challenging for people with pre-existing sleep disorders or those who have difficulty adjusting to changes in their routine. The long-term disruption caused by DST may also affect productivity, as people may struggle to adapt to the new schedule, leading to decreased efficiency at work or school. Furthermore, the societal rhythm of modern life, with its reliance on precise scheduling and 24/7 connectivity, makes the twice-yearly shift in time feel particularly jarring. In response to these concerns, some regions have moved to abolish DST altogether or are considering making DST permanent, arguing that the disruptions outweigh the benefits of extended daylight hours. However, while the debate continues, the evidence suggests that the transition, particularly in the spring, can be a significant disruption to daily life. Don't you think it would be more economically and socially viable to abolish it?  We would be more productive and healthy a society without it. And one further request: please encourage other countries to follow suit. Go raibh mile maith agat, Taim, Sarah O'Connor

The risks posed by pesticides, including the widely used chemical glyphosate, to both human health and the environment are too significant to be ignored, particularly in areas where our children spend a considerable amount of their time. The Irish Schools Sustainability Network, other environmental groups and educational organisations aim to bring about a national ban of pesticide use in these sensitive environments. Health Risks to Children Numerous studies have raised alarm about the potential health hazards of glyphosate. Classified as a "probable human carcinogen" by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), exposure to glyphosate has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins due to their developing bodies, the vulnerability of their immune systems and the fact that they may come into direct contact with treated grass, soil and outdoor equipment. The long-term effects of even low-level exposure to glyphosate remain poorly understood, but the precautionary principle dictates that we must err on the side of safety, especially when the health of children is at stake. Environmental Impact Chemical pesticides are not just a threat to human health but also to the environment. For example the widespread use of glyphosate has been associated with a decline in biodiversity, as it indiscriminately kills plants, leading to the destruction of habitats for insects, birds, and other wildlife. In particular, glyphosate has been linked to the decline of pollinator species, such as bees, which play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and food production. Furthermore, runoff from school grounds into nearby waterways can contaminate water supplies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering the food chain. Alternatives to pesticides  There are safer, more sustainable alternatives to glyphosate and other pesticides that do not pose the same risks to human health or the environment. Mechanical weeding, organic herbicides, and other integrated pest management strategies can be employed to maintain school grounds without compromising the safety of our children or the surrounding ecosystem. A Call for Action Given the mounting evidence of glyphosate’s risks, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our children and the environment. Banning the use of pesticides on school grounds would be a significant step towards creating a healthier, safer environment for students and reducing the broader ecological impact of harmful chemicals. We urge you to consider the growing body of scientific research, as well as the actions taken by other countries, such as Austria and France, that have restricted or banned pesticide use on school grounds. By doing so, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.

A once in a lifetime achievement, recognition should be rewarded with this small reward in her hometown.

Families, children, our elderly, special needs children, adults, and students. Hard working well educated people are being forced into homelessness with no available solution! I call on our government said elected to immediately put a ban on eviction notices. We will not vacate until your promises of housing for all has been delivered. There is (No Where) to go. If people stand together and reject their eviction notices until you can be rehoused. Don't move yourself into homelessness. An Taoiseach Simon Harris, would you live in a tent with your children? This is Not acceptable. We will not accept eviction until you, our government can provide us with alternative accommodation to rent. Threshold Validation, up to 1100 applications per rental property. Only one family per rental property. Irish families are under unbelievable pressure and stress, children who are thriving in schools and communities being forced into emergency accommodation, if they are lucky. Professionals just trying to work, all of this coupled with the cost of living crisis. Even if some qualify for affordable housing they have no chance to save for a deposit the with existing rental prices. Stop the mass of Air B&B, foreign investment fund purchases, buy to let only developments. Look after us, it's your duty of care to the Irish people. Acknowledge your failures, there's no time to falter there are lives at risk.

The people of Beara are at a disadvantage for work, for education, for basic services and for accessing amenities / social events. Young people and elderly people rely heavily on public transport and thus are at a particular disadvantage.  Tourists using public transport are unable to visit this area, and those visiting here have no public transport options to avail of local restaurants or bars.   We also want to have the option to leave the car at home and to play our part in reducing carbon emissions.  Recent experience shows that when public transport is provided, people use it. The National Transport Authority has reported a five-fold increase in the use of public transport in rural areas since it was increased. When they are given a reliable and affordable alternative to the car, they’ll take it. So please add your name to this petition and help us campaign for change.  (Image courtesy of Lauragh Community Council)

.This would help allow those in need to have easier access to places such as hospitals 

• 12,734 murders in the first half of 2024, with an average of 70 people murdered daily. • 11,520 civilian casualties in the Ukraine war between February 2022 and July 2024. • 42,780 rapes reported in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (1 rape every 12 minutes). • 15,343 kidnappings reported in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (51 per day). • 5,488 cars hijacked between April and June 2024 (60 per day). Can you imagine living under these conditions? For just one week or one month, consider what it would feel like to live in such an environment. Your home: 1. Alarm system always armed. 2. Bars on your windows, never opened at night or when you’re not in the room. 3. Security gates on your front and back doors, always locked. 4. High property walls covered in electric fencing. 5. CCTV cameras for constant monitoring. Even with all these security features, the average South African rarely sleeps deeply, fearing that someone may bypass these measures and enter their home to rob, kill, or assault them. If the alarm is triggered, it’s often not the police who respond but a private security company, and response times can range from 30 minutes to never. On the streets: Walking requires constant vigilance. Nobody walks alone. Children don’t play in parks, walk to visit friends, or go to the mall without close adult supervision. Many children cannot even play in their own yards unsupervised. Crime Statistics in Major South African Cities Cape Town, South Africa • Population: 464,986 • Murder rate: 64 per 100,000 inhabitants Cape Town ranks among the world’s most dangerous cities, with a murder rate of 66.36 per 100,000 residents. Johannesburg, South Africa • Population: 5,866,550 • Murder rate: 37.9 per 100,000 inhabitants Johannesburg is one of the world’s deadliest cities, where displaying wealth can make you a target for kidnapping. Traveling in an armored vehicle or with a large group is recommended for safety. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa • Population: 475,238 Both public and private transport, day and night, can be dangerous in Pietermaritzburg. Violent crimes peak at night. It’s recommended to avoid taking out cash unless inside a hotel or bank due to the high crime rate and low police presence. Pretoria, South Africa • Population: 741,651 • Murder rate: 38 per 100,000 inhabitants Pretoria is another dangerous city where travelers should avoid walking or traveling at night. Armed robberies and gang violence are prevalent, making armored vehicles a safer option for those who can access them. Sources: • Most Dangerous Cities in the World - Armormax • Shocking Murder Numbers in South Africa - BusinessTech • Ukraine War Casualties - Statista • Sexual Offenses in South Africa - Statista • Kidnapping Cases in South Africa - South African Government

My brother who lived in London was taken to A&E by the police numerous times, was never seen and subsequently took his own life. If the resources are simply not available. (This should never be the case.) Unfortunately however the budget for Mental Health is totally inadequate. This  problem should be addressed separately. Until underfunding within a hospital is properly addressed an interim measure should be adopted. The potential patient should be directed to the current Outpatient Emergency Team immediately. This team can then make a Care Plan with the patient in the hospital and then arrange to see them the following day and continue to do so on  a daily basis at their home until they are well. The resources available to inpatients in the hospital should also be offered to the outpatient. E,g Yoga, Meditation and  various other activities This would ultimately reduce the cost to the Department of Health. Reduce the number of people self medicating with various substances Reduce suicide levels. Patients are seen rapidly and feel they are being cared for from outset Numerous studies have shown that people often recover better in their own home

When there are cuts to Special Educational Services and Additional Needs Services, mainstream teachers are required to do far more with less support and less resources for children with a significant range of abilities. This affects the provision of education to all children. This affects all the children of Ireland. We can and need to do better. Schools have had enough cuts and need to be sufficiently resourced.