For almost a week now the media has been full of stories about toxic waste found at the former Irish Steel (aka Irish Ispat) site on Haulbowline, including the statistical evidence that Cobh town, a few hundred metres away, has a cancer incidence rate which is 44% above the national average.

These photos were taken at 8.45am Thursday morning, 3rd July - there appeared to be one person on site at the time (see photo below). However life and work continued as usual at the naval base next door, in Cobh town and Ringaskiddy. Photo 5 shows the now levelled site of the old furnace hall which is the large building shown on some television reports - also the proximity of this to the main Naval Mess Hall and playing pitches on Haulbowline - and the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy (photo background).

Cultural Destruction

How the issue of a discussion at WAC 6 on Tara and the M3 arose and an update on the situation.

The issue of a debate on Tara and the M3 at the World Archaeological Congress, which takes place next week in Dublin, arose after Tara campaigners requested that I investigate whether such a discussion could be facilitated at one of the sessions dealing with ethics. I wrote to WAC asking for a session on campaigns against cultural destruction as a counterbalance to the programme as it was, which included several pro-developer, pro-private sector archaeology themes as well as the shocking presence at the congress of the US military.

Related Links: World Archaeological Congress Tara stories on indy

Solidarity can beat the Bosses!

This Friday, the 4th of July marks the start of a week of actions against Lionbridge, a multinational translation and software development company in support of the right of workers to organise in trade unions.

Groups of workers from Ireland, Poland, Denmark, Spain, America and elsewhere will hold pickets outside the offices of Lionbridge to mark the start of a case taken against the company in Poland by Jakub G.

Jakub has been working for the company for almost 8 years and received several promotions before becoming active as a trade-union organizer. Shortly after a union was formed in Warsaw he was fired by Lionbridge. To get around the Polish law which prohibits the sacking of union representatives without good cause, the bosses said that Jakob had leaked confidential company information to an internet website.

Related Links:Campaign Home Page Picket in Dun Laoghaire

Always the bridesmaid...

A bit of rain didn't stop thousands from taking to the streets of Dublin to celebrate what is now a fixture in the Irish calendar and to campaign for Marraige Equality for same sex relationships. This year saw the 25th anniversary and homage was paid to the years of campaigning and how far Irish society has come. However there was a recognition that not all was won and the struggle for full equality still goes on.

Related Links:Dublin Pride Pride 08 on YouTube

The Department of Education withdraws funding from Integrate Ireland Language and Training.

In in protest 500* staff and students at the Integrate Ireland Language and Training Centre (IILT) in Dublin marched from Liberty Hall to the Department of Education offices in Marlboro Street at 1.00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2008. It was also World Refugee Day and the proposed closure truly demonstrates Government policy towards integration, education and workers rights.

Related Links: Siptu