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Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘David vs Goliath' as Limerick takes on mammoth Manchester for EuroPride 2028 bid
If successful, the joint bid from Limerick and Clare would mark the first time the international LGBTQIA+ celebration is held in Ireland. The event, which has previously taken place in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Lisbon, could bring over 100,000 visitors and inject more than €2.5 million into the local economy. 'I move that this district work with Limerick LGBTQ Pride, The Outing Festival, and Queer Clare to provide support in their bid to bring EuroPride 2028 to the west of Ireland,' Cllr Hickey-O'Mara told the chamber. 'If successful, the bid will be as big as Limerick City of Culture, and as big, if not bigger, than the Ryder Cup.' Cllr Hickey-O'Mara urged immediate action from the council, to ensure the festival goes to Limerick and not Manchester. "This is David V Goliath', he said. He urged the council to fly Progress Pride flags, provide logistical and financial support for the bid, repaint rainbow crossings, and welcome EuroPride adjudicators during Limerick Pride Week next month. The motion brought was one of bravery by the Social Democrats councillor: 'As the only openly LGBT councillor on Limerick Council, I feel really compelled to speak about this and to tell you that things are far from fine.' 'Across the world, our community is seeing their rights being systematically rolled back. Politicians are backing away from our community, as are companies who formerly supported pride events. 'Nowhere is this more apparent than with the global targeting of the trans community, which, let's call a spade a spade, is simply regurgitated homophobia,' he stated. He shared distressing local testimonies of harassment and discrimination. 'One person who works for Limerick Council even contacted me to say that they aren't out at work due to witnessing colleagues use homophobic language in the workplace,' he revealed. ADVERTISEMENT He called on his colleagues to 'educate yourself,' engage with LGBTQIA+ organisations, and 'challenge hate and disinformation, whenever and wherever you encounter it.' Councillor Olivia O'Sullivan formally seconded the motion, saying: 'We are living in a time where there is fear and division being created in our communities. 'It's extremely important as community leaders that we set the tone,' she said. 'We need to support everyone to live safe and happy lives." Others echoed their support. Cllr Ursula Gavan said: 'Anything that raises awareness and increases respect and tolerance has to be commended.' Cllr Sarah Beasley noted: 'To think that a community in this day and age, 10 years after the referendum, are still struggling, it's very hurtful to see.' In support, Cllr Maria Donoghue, suggested branding the event as the Prider Cup 'just to kind of ride on the Ryder Cup thing for the name!' Eileen Coleman, Senior Executive Officer for Tourism, said: 'We are happy to support the bid and have already met with the organisers.' She confirmed the council would 'take on board all the proposals mentioned' and provide an update at the next meeting.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Fiery backlash as Limerick Bonfire Festival plan goes up in smoke
The proposal, brought forward by Cllr Sarah Beasley, aims to organise a 'well-managed bonfire event where the community can come together in a safe and controlled environment, with participation from local small businesses, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.' According to the Rhebogue councillor, the current unregulated bonfires 'involve an accumulation of a wide range of materials, often including furniture with metal frames, hazardous gases, and glass, all of which pose serious safety and pollution risks,' said Cllr Beasley. She also pointed to the large costs related to wild bonfires. 'Recent figures estimate the cost at €33,000 this year, and that does not include the repair of the greens,' she stated. The motion was seconded by Labour's Pádraigh Reale, who supported the idea of developing a "mini-festival" to preserve the Bealtaine traditions. 'I don't see any reason why a conversation can't be opened around this and how we can look as a local authority to support this motion and to try and bring something forward,' Cllr Reale added. However, the motion drew strong criticism from other councillors. Cllr Olivia O'Sullivan was particularly vocal in her opposition: 'We're asking for so much trouble. I can't understand why we want to encourage more people to get involved in what is a dangerous activity. We're talking about behaviour that is already illegal.' Cllr Sarah Kiley echoed her concerns: 'In Kennedy Park, people were trapped in their homes because of black plumes of smoke. Fire brigades were 'absolutely battered' when responding,' she added, 'it beggars belief.' 'I understand, Councillor Beasley, you're coming from a place of nostalgia and wanting to fix the issue but this certainly isn't the way.' Anne Rizzo, acting senior executive officer of Community Development at Limerick City and County Council responded, yet the motion itself was not passed. 'Having regard to climate and fire safety considerations, the Community Development section will explore the possibility of developing an annual community bumper event as an alternative to the current practice of multiple often unregulated fires during the May tradition,' Ms Rizzo stated. In addition, it was suggested by Cllr Reale that Limerick Council introduce a 'targeted hazardous litter collection initiative next year in the week leading up to the May Eve bonfire in identified areas to encourage families and households to dispose of their hazardous waste/materials in a safe manner.' This motion was supported by Cllr Kiely and Cllr O'Sullivan as 'very constructive.'
