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The Journal
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
President says corporations 'deliberately' working against climate action
THE PRESIDENT HAS said that there are corporations that are 'deliberately' working against climate action at the same time as the world experiences record-breaking weather extremes. President Michael D. Higgins delivered a speech this morning at the opening of Bloom, the annual food and gardening festival held in Phoenix Park. Addressing the crowd on the first day of the festival, the President used much of his speech to draw attention to the perils of the climate crisis and the need for action to address it. He said that the large attendance numbers at Bloom each year reflect 'the interest that people have in being outdoors' and the growing awareness of needing to protectthe natural world and move to a circular economy. 'We are living, as we all know, in an era of profound environmental challenges, one that is defined by shared interacting crises,' he said. The world's leading climate scientists have told us with increasing urgency that the planet we share is at a tipping point, and in some places has moved over that point,' he said, describing the 'devastating consequences of a warming world'. 'The impacts of climate change in Ireland are impacts with which we are now familiar. They are reflected not only in threat but in actual experience of the consequences of rising sea levels, by the increased frequency and severity of weather events such as high-impact storms, droughts and floods,' he said. Advertisement The President said that 'too many of us will have experienced the dreadful consequences of Storm Éowyn at the end of January', adding that he wanted to 'take this opportunity to thank again all those who worked to address the severe consequences, including the first-responders for their valiant efforts, and the great support they received from communities'. 'We have to make ourselves aware of the imbalance between those who are carrying the consequences of a warming Earth and those who contributed to where we find ourselves in terms of the climate change which has been provoked. 'The peoples of the world are aware of the crisis but unfortunately there are corporations that are deliberately going in another direction and are likely to be very active in trying to get us to retreat from the commitments at that great moment of humanity, the 2015 [Paris Agreement] commitments. During a speech at Bloom festival on climate change, President Michael D Higgins says: 'The peoples of the world are aware of this crisis but there are corporations who are going in the other direction and are very active in trying to get us to retreat from our commitments' — Muiris Ó Cearbhaill (@muirisoc) May 29, 2025 2024 was the warmest year on record , according to the World Meteorological Organisation's latest annual global climate report. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere was also higher than ever before. New projections published yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency show that Ireland is far off track to meet its 2030 climate targets. Additional reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Tullamore joins nationwide street feast to celebrate community spirit
The nationwide 'street feast' initiative, which runs on May, 24 and May, 25 is now its 15th year and encourages communities to come together for informal street parties, picnics and shared meals. Over 800 feasts are expected nationwide this year, with participants who register as hosts by May, 29 to receive a free party pack. The packs contain bunting, invites, posters and an informational folder. Once registered, there is also a downloadable guide with tips. In Tullamore, the event is expected to bring together residents from various neighbourhoods to O'Connor Square. The event is being ran by Tullamore Chamber, The Phoenix Bar & Venue, and Tullamore Credit Union, along with receiving support from Offaly County Council. Local organisers are encouraging everyone to get involved in events on the day such as live music, a kids disco, face painting, and family fun. Street Feast is a Neighbourhood Network initiative, which aims to promote social inclusion, tackle loneliness and build supportive and resilient neighbourhoods around Ireland. Street Feasts are held for everyone to have the opportunity to be connected in a neighbourhood group and feel included and at home in their communities. President Michael D. Higgins, the festival's patron, praised the promotion of community spirit: 'We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness. 'All values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity'
Irish Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
President Higgins leads ceremony at Arbour Hill to commemorate executed Easter Rising leaders
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND Michael D. Higgins has led the annual State ceremony at Arbour Hill to commemorate the Easter Rising and the leaders of 1916. The president was joined by his wife, Sabina, as well as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris at Arbour Hill. the final resting place of 14 of the executed Rising leaders, including the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic. The annual commemoration at the Dublin site is the longest-running State ceremony to commemorate the Rising, with this year marking the 101st time the event has been held. "Today marks over 100 years of this State Commemoration of the Arbour Hill Ceremony as we remember those who died for Ireland in 1916 and in particular, those 14 executed leaders of 1916 who are buried here at Arbour Hill," said Mr Harris. Arbour Hill is the final resting place of 14 of the executed Easter Rising leaders, including the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic (Image: Maxwells Photography) "It is an honour and privilege for me, as Minister for Defence, to host this traditional commemorative event in the company of relatives of the executed leaders." Following the event, the Taoiseach said: "I was honoured to take part in today's ceremony at Arbour Hill. We remember those who fought and died for Ireland in 1916." As well as a Requiem Mass and a ceremony at the grave for the leaders of the Easter Rising, President Higgins laid a wreath to commemorate those who died in 1916. It is now more than 100 years since the commemoration at Arbour Hill began in 1923, shortly after the end of the Civil War, with the first State commemoration event taking place in 1924. A commemoration event has been held each year since and over 800 invitations were issued for this year's ceremony. The commemoration takes place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the church for the Defence Forces, on the first Wednesday on or after May 3 each year.
Irish Post
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
President Michael D. Higgins leads Irish delegation at funeral of Pope Francis
AN IRISH delegation led by President Michael D. Higgins attended the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. The pontiff was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome following a funeral Mass at the Vatican. Italian officials say more than 400,000 people gathered at St Peter's Square for the funeral and lined the streets as the Pope's coffin was taken to his final resting place. Speaking ahead of the funeral, President Higgins said Pope Francis 'led by example in embracing so many of the most important issues facing humanity'. "In attending the funeral and celebrating the life of Pope Francis, it is important to stress his work on our shared humanity and on the importance of peace, sustainability and of rights," he added. 'An example to us all' Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was an honour to attend Pope Francis' funeral and 'reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements of his life'. "He had a deep commitment to service," said Mr Martin. "He was a man of great humility who lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity, providing an example to all." Before the funeral, the Taoiseach described the Pope as 'a voice for the marginalised, the poor, and the migrants'. Pallbearers carry the coffin at the end of the funeral of Pope Francis (Image: Antonio Masiello / Getty Images) "He truly lived the Gospel in his actions and in the example he set," he said. "Pope Francis showed leadership in the church. He pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and does not shy away from the challenges the world faces." Tánaiste Simon Harris said after the funeral that it was a 'privilege to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, on behalf of Ireland'. "Pope Francis challenged us all to be better, to care more, to judge less and to lead with kindness," he said. "His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come." 'Honour his legacy' First Minister Michelle O'Neill was also in Rome for the funeral. "Today I joined political and religious leaders from across the world to pay my respects at the funeral of Pope Francis," she said. "We said goodbye to a leader of great stature, immense courage, and deep humility — a man who carried forward a powerful vision for a fairer, more just, and peaceful world. "It falls to all of us to honour his legacy by building that better future for our children and grandchildren, in every corner of the globe. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was not in attendance, saying in a reply on Twitter/X that 'we didn't receive any invitation'. "The FM subsequently sought one and was able to obtain one just today," she added in the tweet on Friday.
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Louth communities invited to celebrate Ireland's biggest weekend of Street Parties
Street Feast invites neighbours across the country to come together for a shared meal, a chat, and a chance to turn strangers into friends. Although we live in a more connected world than ever before, many people still don't know their neighbours. That's why Street Feast was created – to bring people together and promote a greater sense of belonging, inclusion, and community spirit. In 2024, 96pc of participants said they felt more connected to their neighbourhood after hosting or attending a Street Feast. The event has grown significantly since its beginnings in 2010, with nearly 75,500 taking part in celebrations across the country in 2024, and Louth has been proudly part of that journey. Whether it's a simple cuppa in the garden, a picnic in the park, or a big street party, hosting a Street Feast is an easy and meaningful way to build a stronger, more connected community. Street Feast is about bringing people together to share food, conversation, and camaraderie. Whether you live in an apartment in Drogheda, a house in Ardee, or shared space in Dunleer, all you need is a location – a front garden, a street, a green, a car park, a laneway, or a community centre – and a desire to connect with your neighbours. To get involved, residents are encouraged to register at where they'll receive a free party pack complete with bunting, stickers, invites, posters and DIY guide. Once registered, organisers can gather a few neighbours to help plan the day, pick a suitable location and time, and begin inviting others using their pack or by simply knocking on doors. Preparations can be as simple or elaborate as you like – bring out tables and chairs, set up games and music and enjoy the day by getting to know your neighbours. Sam Bishop, Street Feast Co-Founder and Neighbourhood Network CEO believes it's the small connections that lead to big changes. 'Every year, thousands of neighbours pass each other by without ever saying hello. We want to empower people to change that. By hosting a Street Feast, you can help make your neighbourhood a happier, healthier and more connected place. Over the last fifteen years, Street Feast has facilitated 750,000 community connections across every county on the island of Ireland. Our mission is to reach 1 million connections by 2030. By taking part, you join thousands of people across Ireland in celebrating community spirit and making your neighborhood a better place. Registration is now open at We're ready to help you bring your event to life.' Street Patron and President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins added: "We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness - all values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity." Aoife Moran, Dr. Oetker Ireland said: 'We are proud to support Street Feast, as a company we are passionate about creating tasty feel good food moments and understand the importance of togetherness. Street feast is the perfect event to help create more connections across neighbourhoods nationwide through great food and great conversations.' Local voices echo the positive impact of the initiative. Clare, a Street Feast host based in Lucan says: It was a great occasion to organise something in our estate and to meet the neighbours. We can see people saying hi to each other as they now know each other. Also, it was our first street feast and community event but we are now planning to do more.' ADVERTISEMENT Donal, a Street Feast host based in Skerries says: 'Street Feast is a very positive initiative and it has improved community cohesion on our street. Thank you for all your work.' Natasha, a Street Feast host based in Galway City says: 'It's a wonderful way to unite communities and breathe life back into our neighbourhoods. It felt like what it would've been in our parents' generation - good craic and wholesome fun! I'm a massive advocate of regenerating community spirit and being actively involved in the communities where we live. Street Feast is a valuable initiative to do just that!' Street Feast is a project of all-island charity, Neighbourhood Network, which promotes social inclusion, tackle loneliness and build supportive and resilient neighbourhoods and is made possible thanks to the generous support of the following campaign partners; the Department of Rural and Community Development; the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth; the Local Authorities; Dr Oetker Ireland and other promotional partners. 'By Building connections between neighbours, we strengthen the community as a whole. When neighbourhoods are more inclusive, healthier and happier, everyone benefits,' concluded Bishop. To take part and help bring Street Feast to your Louth neighbourhood, visit The invitation is open to pull up a chair, meet your neighbours and be part of Ireland's biggest community celebration.
