Joining our campaign supports fairness by eliminating employment barriers for non-EU PhD students' spouses, who are crucial in helping their partners’ studies. This change will make Ireland more attractive to top talent, strengthen the economy with diverse skills, and foster social integration. It also alleviates financial strain on students, enhancing their research focus. Advocating for this change sets a positive example of solidarity and inclusivity. Sign the petition to help make a difference for these families and promote a fairer society.

 Joining our campaign supports fairness and equality by eliminating employment barriers for non-EU PhD students' spouses, who play a crucial role in supporting their partners’ academic pursuits. This change will enhance Ireland’s global appeal, making it a more attractive destination for top talent and strengthening the economy by bringing diverse skills into the workforce. Additionally, it fosters social integration, enriches cultural diversity, and alleviates financial strain on PhD students, allowing them to focus on their research. Advocating for this change sets a positive example of solidarity and progressive policy, demonstrating Ireland’s commitment to inclusivity and encouraging similar measures globally. Sign the petition today to help make a significant difference in the lives of these families and promote a fairer, more inclusive society. 

Cork City Council already once denied planning permission back in June for proposals by a casino to expand into Ballincollig after receiving almost 50 objections from local residents and businesses. Locals in Ballincollig rally against the proposal, as another casino in town provides no benefits, encourages gambling and can lead to all sorts of negative behaviours.  SAY NO TO ANOTHER CASINO IN Ballincollig

The residents of Bluebell Woods in Oranmore kindly request that the Carnmore test route no longer use this residential estate as part of the official route. Since the Carnmore test centre opened in 2021, our estate and the front green in particular has been used on a continuous basis both by the official RSA testers and by learners practicing the 'reverse around the corner' manoeuvre. While the tests themselves take place during weekday working hours, the learners are liable to practice at this location at all times of the evening and at weekends. We oppose the use of our estate for this test activity. The front green in particular is an unsafe location for the reverse around the corner, due to the frequent use of the green by children at play, and the poor visibility due to trees and shrubs at the corner. There is a risk to safety here, not only because a learner driver cannot have full and unrestricted visibility, but any pedestrians trying to cross the road at this intersection may not notice a car reversing until it is too late. Several of our residents have witnessed dangerous reversing and submitted complaints directly to the RSA, but have had either no response at all or the responses have been unsatisfactory. Therefore, we are gathering signatures to make this request as a community, with the safety of our children and residents in mind. We call upon the RSA in Galway to find an alternative route for the driving test. Note: Header image shows a snippet of the Carnmore driving test route from the Test Routes app. 

Becoz it involves disturbing children and putting som if us with serious cases at risk 

We urge decision-makers to reconsider this project and look for sustainable alternatives to meet energy needs while protecting the livelihoods, health, and wellbeing of people in East Galway.  Please sign this petition and support our urgent cause.

The health and well-being of mothers and their new-borns are fundamental to the fabric of our society. By prioritising post-natal care, we can ensure that every child gets the best start in life, and every mother receives the care and support she deserves.  Please join us in advocating for better post-natal care in Ireland by signing this petition.

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about banning XL bullies in Ireland. I’m creating this petition to stop this ban. XL bully attacks in Ireland are minimal compared to those of German Shepherds, Rottweilers etc, however these breeds aren’t banned, only restricted. The government is jumping to the extremes of a ban instead of doing what they should be doing which is restricting ownership. While I’m aware that XL bullies are large dogs with a lot of strength, in the right hands they are amazing dogs. The breed in general is not prone to any form of aggression unlike breeds such as the American Pitbull terrier. I want this petition to help people realise we need to restrict ownership, not ban the whole breed. 

It is bringing back memories for people that they can think of while they used to watch it it day to day and help people get through rough times it is a show that can help calm and settle you down

In the days after October 7th, when Israel initiated collective punishment and indiscriminate bombing against the people of Gaza, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated... "I have ordered a complete siege on the Gaza Strip. There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we act accordingly."  Ursula Von der Leyen personally went to Gallant and Netanyahu's side in Israel. In the days following, she lit up the European Commission office in the Israeli flag and tweeted, ‘Israel has the right to defend itself – today and in the days to come. The European Union stands with Israel’.  This not only demonstrated horrific judgement, it also demonstrated genocidal intent and a complete disregard for International and Human Rights Law. This was not a mistake by Von Der Leyen, prior to October 7th she had always demonstrated her unconditional support for Israel whilst ignoring the plight of the Palestinians. In the last 9 months of horrific war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, Ursula Von der Leyen has not taken one action against Israel or uttered one word of rebuke against Netanyahu. In fact, she has ignored the Irish and Spanish governments request to review the EU-Israel trade agreement, a slap in the face to the people of Ireland and Spain. And now government wants to reward her with votes?  

Soft play can be an incredibly fun experience for the little ones. However, this is not the only benefit of soft play for children. It also has demonstrated fundamental cognitive benefits. Soft play helps children develop their motor skills such as hand-eye coordination whilst in a safe environment to practise and develop their skills. The soft play environment will stimulate brain function and development and can help enhance children’s sensory processing abilities, which can improve their focus and attention. It also helps children to recognise cause and effect - a skill which commonly starts around 18 months, reaching a more competent ability around 36 months. At which point children are able to begin making predictions on what potentially may happen and show indications of reflection over what causes things to happen. These are fundamental skills for children to learn and so doing it in a soft, protective environment allows them to discover and practise them freely and somewhat independently, thanks to the soft play cushions and sensory soft play equipment. Social benefits of soft play for children Another role of soft play in child development is the advancement of their social skills. By learning through play, children can gain a basic understanding of how the world around them works. As an example, if you’re not nice to someone, they won’t respond well to you. This is also an example of cause and effect in practice. Soft play and socialisation go hand in hand. Children build kills and traits such as: confidence, resilience, self-esteem, independence, curiosity and how to cope with challenging situations. Learning through play also helps in developing language, imagination, and when to trust their instincts. Children can communicate and interact with their peers, allowing them to express their feelings, share ideas with one another, and build lasting relationships. Having this level of intellectual development at a young age will give children a huge advantage as they get older and start to participate in society. Physical benefits of soft play for children Another key benefit of soft play rooms for kids is physical development. As adults, we don’t tend to think about controlling our movements as it’s so hardwired in us. And when we’re children, it mostly happens naturally. There are two types of motor development that children will learn - fine motor development and gross motor development. Fine motor development involves learning more delicate tasks, for example, moving smaller things with their hands and balancing. Whereas gross motor development includes bigger movements such as running, skipping, jumping and climbing. Soft play helps children to develop gross motor development and fine motor development skills because there are so many activities on offer. Rope ladders, stepping stones, rollers and ball pits to name but a few. Climbing over obstacles and navigating the twists and turns of the indoor soft play equipment is a delicate task that requires a level of athletic ability and also decent motor skills. This combination of skills is what makes soft play so essential for a child’s development as it promotes good physical fitness, agility, coordination, and balance. Regular participation in soft play can contribute to the overall physical health and well-being of children, helping to reduce the risk of obesity and related health issues.

North Offaly is fast becoming the home of Green energy projects that are being constructed or planed in Ireland. The Yellow River Wind farm is a prime example of a project in the area. Locals objected to the Wind farm on the grounds that there was not adequate infrastructure in place to take on the increase in construction traffic. Ultimately the case was taken to the high court where the objection was refused. At the time local councilors promised the roads would be done before, maintained during and redone after construction of the wind farm. These promises ultimately proved to be empty. A few planned projects along the r400 or that will use the r400 for the majority of construction traffic: Yellow River Wind farm: https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/in-development/yellowriver/ Rhode Green Energy Park: https://www.offaly.ie/rhode-green-energy-park/ Bio-Mass Gassification Plant: https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/632520/new-biomass-gasification-plant-set-to-be-constructed-in-offaly.html Battery Storage: https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/550961/plans-unveiled-for-substantial-energy-storage-facility-in-offaly.html Clonin North Solar Farm: https://www.highfieldenergy.com/SolarProjects/clonin-north-solar-farm Oxigen Waste Management Facility: https://www.offalyindependent.ie/2023/11/09/controversial-waste-facility-in-north-offaly-gets-planning-approval/ Full report on Green energy within the area can be found: https://www.offaly.ie/green-energy-2/ This campaign is focused on finding the balance between these types of projects and ensuring that local residents are taken care of. Much of the local area around the r400 is not serviced by public transport and as such we rely on our cars and on the roads, which we pay for through our taxes. The r400 has been in a state for decades, the local council have failed to make it a priority, failed to hold the companies behind the large scale construction projects accountable for their use and they have failed all of us who have had to endure an unsafe, not fit for purpose, road. When questioned as to why the r400 has not seen improvements over the years Offaly County Council claim that there is not enough funding. The only way around the lack of funding on a local level, is for the road to be made a national road. That way it's reconstruction and maintenance funding, will come from the National Government. Please join us in calling for the National and local Government's to make the r400 a national road.