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BreakingNews.ie
8 hours ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Dublin awash with colour as tens of thousands take part in Pride parade
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets of Dublin to mark this year's Pride parade. Organisers said there were more than 12,000 people marching in the annual parade. Advertisement Labour leader Ivana Bacik (third right) takes part in the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) This year's event also celebrated a milestone 10 years of marriage equality. The capital's streets were filled with an array of colour, music and dance as the parade made its way to Merrion Square's Pride Village for speeches and entertainment. Among those taking part was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris, Labour leader Ivana Bacik, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Thousands took part in the parade (Damien Eagers/PA) Citing the previous work of the Government to address gay rights and equality, Mr Martin told the crowd at Merrion Square that he is aware 'our work is far from done'. Advertisement Mr Martin was forced to raise his voice as a small number of protesters shouted for better trans rights and health care access during his speech. The Fianna Fáil leader said: 'LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland today still face a myriad of challenges, and the Government is committed to bolstering our efforts to address these challenges and delivering for our LGBTIQ+ citizens. 'There are global trends of increased harassment and persecution of LGBTIQ+ people across the world, which make many of our LGBTIQ+ citizens feel deeply concerned and unsafe. 'This is not the vision for Ireland that we are striving to build.' Advertisement Taoiseach Micheál Martin waves at members of the public during the Dublin Pride parade through the city centre (Damien Eagers/PA) Mr Martin continued: 'Our goal is to build a society in which LGBTIQ+ people can live safe, inclusive, healthy and fulfilling lives in an accepting and compassionate Ireland. 'The new LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy will promote and respect the right of LGBTIQ+ people to live their lives safely, free of harassment and violence. 'It will advance health and wellbeing outcomes through improved investment and access to a range of health services. 'It will build on initiatives already undertaken within the business community and by employers so that LGBTIQ+ people are enabled to participate fully within the workplace. Advertisement 'This new strategy will seek to deliver a fairer and more inclusive Ireland, and Government departments and state agencies are determined to work together to that end.' People take part in the Dublin Pride parade through the city centre (Damien Eagers/PA) The grand marshal of Dublin Pride, Ruadhan O Criodain, who has long advocated for LGBT+ rights, told the crowd in Merrion Square: 'We all want better futures for the next generation of queer people, but without education or health care, trans people can't see those futures for ourselves. 'I know you won't let our community die for the want of a future. I know that each of you will stand with trans people, I know that you will stand up and fight back. 'I know that you won't give in to the transphobe you've seen take hold in the UK, because we are stronger than that. Advertisement 'The far right and the TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminism) movement want to divide the LGBT community.' (Damien Eagers/PA) 'They want to isolate your trans siblings, because then it'll be easier to tear us all apart. 'If they come for us first, they will come for all of you next. But I won't let that happen to my community, and I know you'll promise me the same. 'There is no LGBT without the T.' (Damien Eagers/PA) Dublin Mayor Emma Blaine said: 'Today, we march through the heart of our capital, a city that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusion and champions equality. 'Pride is more than a parade. It's a powerful statement of love, of visibility and of resilience. 'It's a celebration of how far we have come and a reminder of the work still ahead. 'Dublin has a proud history of standing up for the rights of its citizens. 'We remember today, the trailblazers, the activists and the everyday people who fought and continue to fight for dignity, respect and justice.' People Before Profit-Solidarity TD and his child, Juniper, watch the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) She added: 'To our LGBTQ+ young people, know that you are valued, you are seen, and you belong, this city stands with you. 'To all the allies here today, thank you for walking beside us, not just today, but every day.' The parade started at O'Connell Street at 12.30pm, and travelled along Eden Quay and Custom House Quay before crossing the Talbot Memorial Bridge, up Lombard Street and Westland Row before finishing at Merrion Square. The non-ticketed festival at the Pride Village included music, food stalls, acts and speeches on the main stage. In his last year as president, Michael D Higgins offered his warmest greetings ahead of the Pride parade. Dancers take part in the Dublin Pride parade (Damien Eagers/PA) He said: 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today. 'In recent years, great strides have been made in advancing the rights and recognition of LGBT+ people in Ireland. 'In celebrating Pride this year, we are also marking the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, a moment that spoke of the kind of Ireland we aspire to be: inclusive, generous, an Ireland that is unafraid to affirm the equal worth of all of our citizens. Crowds were able to watch the parade before heading into the Pride Village for music, food stalls, acts and speeches (Damien Eagers/PA) 'Yet, we must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. 'A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' There were road closures in the city centre.
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Teenager arrested after slurry spread on Ballymena streets hours before town's first Pride parade
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight, as a hate crime. The 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a bladed or pointed item. He remains in custody. The Pride parade is scheduled to take place this afternoon. Organisers have said the event is an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.' The slurry incident has been widely condemned today. Tánaiste Simon Harris condemned it as a 'vile act', saying: 'Love is love'. Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community. 'I have spoken directly with the parade organisers and the PSNI, and our team has engaged with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to ensure cleansing takes place urgently and the route is made safe and welcoming for all. 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.' NI Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' The PSNI said: 'Police in Ballymena have arrested a man after officers on patrol in the Granville Drive area observed slurry on the road at around 2.55am this morning. 'A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and possession of a blade/point. He remains in police custody at this time. 'The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing.'
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Work on Cork taskforce 'ongoing' as Fine Gael appoints first ever spokesperson on city
Fine Gael has appointed its first ever spokesperson on Cork with the Tánaiste insisting that work is ongoing to establish the city taskforce his party promised within the first 100 days of government. Simon Harris was speaking during a visit to Cork on Friday as he announced that Cork North Central TD Colm Burke will play a leading role in ensuring that the 'issues that matter most to the people of Cork are front and centre of the government's agenda'. In the run-up to the general election last November, Fine Gael ministers Helen McEntee and Paschal Donohoe announced their party's commitment to the establishment of a new Cork City Taskforce within the first 100 days of government to rejuvenate the city centre and drive major infrastructure projects. That 100-day deadline passed in early May. Mr Harris insisted that the taskforce is still 'a very clear commitment' in the program for government but said there is still a bit of work to be done on it. Simon Harris said Colm Burke (pictured) brings a wealth of experience to the new role as Fine Gael spokesperson on Cork and that one of the areas that must be prioritised is the delivery of the new taskforce. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos He said Mr Burke, a former senator and minister, brings a wealth of experience to the new role as Fine Gael spokesperson on Cork and that one of the areas that must be prioritised is the delivery of the new taskforce. 'This is something that government is working on and I think the example we have seen in Dublin shows that a taskforce will benefit businesses and communities alike,' he said. 'We have seen the difference it can make in Dublin this week, where government, local government and community stakeholders, work together and say 'what's our common vision – let's stop this silo (thinking), that's a job for the council, that's a job for the government, that's a job for somebody else – let's actually pull together and say where do we want the city to be over the next 10 to 15 years. 'We've now done it in Dublin. It needs to happen in Cork.' He declined to discuss in detail its funding allocation, pending a detailed analysis of what might be required, or to comment on whether the establishment of a 'special purpose vehicle' will be required through which the funding would be channelled. But he said the model followed by the Dublin taskforce could be replicated in the second city. He said: The Dublin plan looks at a variety of things, as I imagine a Cork one would too. It looks at dereliction, at vacancy, at how you can bring landmark buildings back into use. 'It looks at how you can have a common vision for your city. It looks at safety and policing. It looks at a whole variety of things.' But he added: 'The government will have to consider when it wants to press go on that (the Cork taskforce) in due course, and then obviously the composition of it as well.' Mr Burke said with a growing population, Cork needs to see the development of key infrastructure such as the Cork to Limerick road and the northern distributor road for the area to thrive. 'I am committed to working with the businesses across Cork, who have given such vibrancy to the region,' he said. 'Our pharmaceutical, IT, and service industries are thriving, and we want to see new locations identified to ensure continued development of this industry and all businesses in Cork.'
Irish Post
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland joins EU SAFE defence scheme
IRELAND is set to join the EU's new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme. This will speed up Ireland's ability to acquire new defence systems like cyber and air defence technology. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to formalise the decision this week, marking a major change in Irish defence policy. The SAFE initiative, which came into force in May, streamlines defence procurement across the EU and provides financial support. It allows member states to bypass traditional procurement rules, allowing faster access to weapons and systems. Ireland's move comes in response to growing instability around the world. Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the unpredictable nature of Donald Trump have pushed the EU to strengthen its defence. Alongside SAFE, the EU recently announced its €800 billion ReArm Europe Plan, aimed at building a more self-reliant European defence network. The European Commission has made it clear: 'The era of the peace dividend is over.' Domestically, Ireland is also rethinking its neutrality. The government may soon drop the requirement for a UN Security Council mandate to send troops abroad—a move prompted by concerns over Russian and Chinese veto power. Mr Harris has also proposed doubling Ireland's defence budget to €3 bn annually. While Ireland lacks a traditional arms industry, its tech sector is well positioned to benefit. Companies like VRAI, which develops VR training tools for military applications, are advocating for greater investment in Irish-led innovation. The Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) is urging the government to support local SMEs in defence procurement. Ireland has long relied on a stable international order for its security. But with alliances shifting and threats growing, the government is making it clear: Ireland must be better prepared for what the future holds. See More: Defence, EU, IDSA, SAFE Scheme, Simon Harris
The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland joins EU defence initiative as countries across the bloc rearm
IRELAND IS TO sign up to a new EU initiative that supercharges military equipment purchases as Europe launches a huge drive to rearm, the Tánaiste has announced. Simon Harris, who is also Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, made the announcement this morning. The EU instrument called Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is an EU initiative intended to help member states focus on priority areas and address capability gaps. There have been some frustrations in the Irish Defence sector at the apparent slow pace of procurement but the Department of Defence believes that this initiative could quicken the pace of purchases by up to two years in some cases. This is achieved through engaging in joint acquisitions including ammunition, artillery systems and infantry equipment. Other areas such as critical infrastructure and cyber protections, air defence systems as well as drone and anti-drone tech. There is also a part of SAFE which will make a €150 billion capital pot available to member states which can be drawn down in low interest, long term loans. The EU, in its recent White Paper on Defence , has set out a plan to supercharge the European defence industry as countries across the Union rearm. Part of that plan is to ensure that countries like Ireland focus on purchasing from the arms industry of fellow member states. In practice, it will be much faster now for Ireland to acquire specific equipment in areas prioritised by the Defence Forces, in some cases up to two years quicker than under the current procurement rules. Advertisement As reported previously by The Journal Ireland had engaged in so-called Government-to-Government bilateral engagements but this is a more formal and more effective version of that. The Tánaiste said that he is 'steadfast' in his commitment to get Ireland up to the standard of other nations and that he will move through the initial agreed Level of Ambition Two by 2028 and onto Level of Ambition Three. This is criteria set out in the Commission on the Defence Forces which identified key failings in Ireland military capabilities. 'Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realise this ambition more quickly and more efficiently. 'I am determined to provide for the development of a full spectrum of Defence Force Capabilities that will bring Ireland in line with other similar-sized European countries. 'I have agreed, therefore, that the Department of Defence should leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation as much as possible to progress delivery of Ireland's defence capabilities needs as quickly as possible,' he said. SAFE has an element which is a new EU financial instrument which will provide financial assistance to Member States to support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products, and address capability gaps. The Regulation provides, amongst other things, for existing framework agreements or contracts held by Member States to be modified to add other Member States' requirements providing certain eligibility conditions are met. The regulation focuses on common procurement initiatives and associations with Ukraine's defence industry, ultimately strengthening the EU's overall defence readiness. The SAFE instrument will support Member States wishing to invest in defence industrial production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities. 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
