At the public meeting organised by concerned parents in Silver Springs last Thursday. I was taken aback by the information given to the room and online that evening.. I was not the only one shock as you can see when I told Eddie Hobbs of our government and opposition parties betrayal of our people once more in the Brexit negotiations. All of them savaged our coastal communities by giving away our children’s right to fish in our own waters to sent future generations the opportunity to make a living from the richest waters in Europe.
We agree new people have to be elected to the next European Parliament, the recent Referendums provide clear evidence all the main political parties are no different when giving away our rights.
We stood up to be counted and those who listened to my interview with Neil Prendeville on Red FM know I was not afraid to speak out, not like other candidates now looking for your vote, telling you they will represent you in Brussels.
We now know this is not true and I ask you please think carefully of who you will give your precious vote to in June 7th and consider why I am not invited to candidate debates, nor invited to speak on many of mainstream media shows for a reason. My experience and knowledge of how politics and subsequently the decisions are made in Europe from my presence and work in Europe scares them.
As May 1st approaches, households across the country are bracing for yet another cost of living increase. This time, it’s the application of a carbon tax to Home Heating Oil and Marked Gas Oil. While the government claims it’s a necessary step for environmental reasons, many are left feeling annoyed and burdened.
Why the Frustration?
Aontú’s Stand: Aontú, the party that didn’t sign up for this, is voicing its opposition. They argue that there are better ways to address climate change without squeezing already struggling families.
Knocking on Doors: Other party candidates, however, are knocking on your door, promising more of the same. But if you’re tired of rising costs and want real change, consider voting for the party with common sense.
The Impact:
Home Heating Oil: The tax will add a hefty €19.40 to the cost of filling a 900-liter tank of home heating oil or kerosene.
Marked Gas Oil: Gas prices will rise by €1.48 per 60-liter fill, hitting commuters and businesses alike.
Your Choice:
Are you ready for more of the same? Or do you want a government that listens to common sense? Your vote matters. Choose wisely on election day.
In the quiet corners of our homes, behind closed doors, there exists an army of unsung heroes. They are the carers—the backbone of our society, the invisible lifelines that keep our loved ones afloat. Yet, their sacrifices often go unnoticed, their struggles buried beneath the weight of their responsibilities.
Did you know that one in eight people in our country is a carer? That’s right—ordinary individuals who selflessly shoulder the burden of caring for aging parents, disabled siblings, or ailing partners. Their numbers have surged by 50 percent since 2016, a testament to the growing need for their tireless efforts.
Most of these carers are women. They navigate the delicate balance between work and caregiving, their days a relentless juggling act. The physical and mental toll is immense—long hours, sleepless nights, and the constant worry about their loved ones’ well-being. Yet, they soldier on, fueled by love and duty.
READ MORE BELOW
Our population is aging rapidly, and our nursing home sector is shrinking. Childcare facilities close their doors weekly, leaving families scrambling for alternatives. Who steps in? The carers. They sacrifice their own dreams, their own well-being, to ensure that those they love receive the care they deserve.
But here’s the heartbreaking truth: our government fails them. Financially and practically, carers are left hanging by a thread. The means test for Carers Allowance—a cruel hurdle—forces them into dependency on their partner’s income. It’s a precarious existence, teetering on the edge of financial ruin.
We must change this narrative. Let’s recognize the silent strength of carers. Let’s abolish the means test and make caring financially viable. These unsung heroes deserve more than our applause; they deserve our unwavering support. It’s time to lift them from the shadows and honor their sacrifice. Because when we care for our carers, we care for our future.
Everywhere we look, we see the same story a government that has abandoned its people. No one is immune from their neglect. Heartbreaking tales of carers, people with disabilities, and those battling long-term illnesses fighting alone for scraps of support are all too common
How much longer can we tolerate this? It’s time to say ‘enough’. Let’s vote them out. Let’s vote for change, for people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and work for the benefit of all. People like me, who believe in a government that cares, that supports, that uplifts. It’s time to reclaim our society. It’s time for change
In a world where harm persists within our own communities, it’s time to unveil the truth. Scientific evidence now emerges, shedding light on the wrongs that have been perpetuated.
But there’s more: the misuse of our children in parliamentary settings to spread misinformation is equally unjust. Our fishermen, both inshore and offshore, deserve equitable opportunities, guided by transparency.
Murphy warns that this tax, which is calculated annually at three percent of the land’s market value, will disrupt the housing equilibrium across southern towns and villages. He fears it will lead to a two-tier housing system that discriminates against those less affluent.
Patrick Murphy, Aontu’s representative for Ireland South in the upcoming European election, has voiced concerns over the newly implemented residential land tax. Originating from West Cork’s Mizen Peninsula,
The tax, introduced in February, aims to stimulate residential development and increase state-wide housing numbers. However, Murphy argues it will bring distress, particularly to rural farmers with land unsuitable for housing. He predicts a future where only the wealthy can afford homes, exacerbating the existing housing crisis.
He believes this tax has left rural inhabitants in a dire situation, paying exorbitant amounts for homes they will never own. Furthermore, he criticizes the government for failing its people and points out the restrictive planning regulations preventing children from building on gifted land.
Fishermen in Castletownbere, Ireland, successfully influenced a change in Russia’s naval exercise plans that threatened their fishing grounds.
The Russian government had intended to conduct military drills off the Irish coast, causing concern among the local community. Patrick Murphy, a local fishing organization leader, met with the Russian Ambassador to Ireland, Yury Filatov, to express these concerns. SOURCE & IMAGE CNN NEWS
Despite initial resistance, the Russian government eventually decided to relocate the exercises, ensuring the safety of the fishing area. This decision was celebrated in Castletownbere, demonstrating the power of dialogue and negotiation.
Politicians often tout terms like “Accessibility” and “Inclusion”, especially when discussing the care of the aged.However, these words often remain just that – words.
The reality is that the maintenance of basic infrastructure, which can mean the difference between independent living and needing care, is often overlooked. When people can’t access local amenities like shops, libraries, or doctors, life becomes bleak. READ MORE BELOW
They lose social skills, risk malnutrition, and neglect self-care, leading to health issues. Prioritizing infrastructure in our neighborhoods is essential for independent living. For instance, the state of the footpath at the junction of Bishopstown Ave and Bishopstown Ave West, a predominantly elderly neighborhood, is a glaring example of this neglect. It’s high time we address these issues seriously
Storm Kathleen has brought strong winds and severe weather conditions to parts of Ireland1. This has caused significant disruption to various sectors, including the fishing industry. Castletownbere, a port town in County Cork, Ireland, known for being a regionally important fishing port2, has been particularly affected.
The storm has forced many fishing vessels to remain docked at ports like Castletownbere3. This is a significant setback as it is the first weekend of April and the lucrative prawn fishery on the Porcupine Bank closes in three weeks for Irish trawlers
The financial implications of this are substantial. The fishing boats, unable to venture out into the sea, are set to lose millions. These boats typically have to travel hundreds of miles, consuming a considerable amount of fuel. With the boats docked, they are not only incurring costs but also losing out on potential earnings3.
Moreover, the storm’s aftermath may prolong the recovery process. Even after the storm has passed, the boats may have to remain docked until the sea conditions are deemed safe for navigation. This extended downtime could further exacerbate the financial losses for the fishing industry.
In conclusion, Storm Kathleen has had a profound impact on the fishing industry, particularly in regions like Castletownbere. The forced inactivity of the fishing fleet due to the storm is resulting in significant financial losses, highlighting the vulnerability of such industries to extreme weather events.
Highlighting the struggles faced by people with mobility challenges in public spaces and advocating for improved accessibility.
The struggles and obstacles that people with disabilities and anyone young or old who has mobility challenges face when they are out and about are quite exhausting. Complicated Pedestrian Crossings are a real danger. This one at the junction of Inniscarra Rd and the Main Road is notorious for cars jumping the lights . In order to cross one section of road we have to through 3 sets of lights. Every time you cross a road you take a risk.
The second photo is off an electric car charging point at the newly constructed Lidl, where the cable from the car traverses the only footpath access. Footpaths and pedestrian access are only an afterthought.
Does anyone actually review these at the planning stage? Does anyone cast a critical eye over them? This is something that really gets to me! Political Parties and State Institutions are all talk about Inclusion and Integration. They’ll be knocking at your door waxing lyrical. Yet, a look around the locality at the infrastructure and poor maintenance of footpaths will tell you a lot about the priority placed on access and independent living. People with Disabilities are generally pedestrians or using public transport, yet considerations around access are always something that has to be justified and fought for.
Access and Independent Living are something which I will pursue at Council level for the benefit of everyone in our community.
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