Green Party T.D. John Gormley has called for sweeping measures to stop the “serious problem” of graffiti. Namely:

• The introduction of specific legislation to deal with the offence of graffiti/street art
• The establishment of a Special Garda Graffiti Unit to target artists
• Rewards to be offered for tip-offs on Taggers
• Community service orders
• A Graffiti Hotline
• Revoking the driving licences of graffiti artists
• Banning the sale of spray paint to minors as well as banning the possession of spray paint in public place.

“If you want to know what is actually occurring inside, underneath, at the center, at any given moment, art is a truer guide than politics, more often than not.” - Percy Windham Lewis (1884-1957)

On Friday evening last, five people found themselves served with notices to appear in the High Court this morning to answer as to why they allegedly disobeyed an order from the court, preventing them from obstructing contractors from connecting up the polluted river Deel as their main water supply.

This issue has been developing in Pallaskenry in Limerick, where there is opposition to the County Council’s intentions for the local water supply. The current situation came about following protests against the plan to place the local community on a larger group scheme for the provision of water. At present the locality is served by a supply of water from a local freshwater spring. The larger group scheme would mean that the community would instead be served by water from the River Deel, which is highly polluted.

This article contains a report from this morning’s court appearance.

Excerpt:
“Orla Kaiser was last to present her version of the issue… She read from a statement that she had prepared earlier and had amended on the train from Limerick. Despite being very nervous her voice held no tremor or apology. She began with a quote from an EU directive:

"Water is not a commercial product like any other, but rather, a heritage which must be protected, defended and treated as such."

She admitted to violating the order against her. The whole courtroom erupted into applause at this point, the judge even managed a smile. Those representing Limerick County Council, neither clapped, smiled nor approved.

Previous indymedia articles on the issue: Echoes of Rossport as Pallaskenry 5 face Jail | Limerick County Council, who are you working for? | A Call For Support | Why Must We Go to Prison for the Safety of their Families? | Support for Pallaskenry & Bleach Lough Spring Water Retention Group | No Spring Water - No Vote! | UPDATE: 2 more prepared to risk jail

The weather was gorgeous, the floats were fabulous, the tunes were pumpin, and the people came out in their hundreds :)

"...these days Gay Pride is not just about commemorating the Stonewall riots. It's also about celebrating and communicating queer life. Pride creates presence, generates awareness and stimulates discussion. The Pride Parade is an opportunity for gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people as well as their supporters to take to the streets and parade with pride. It is as much a political event as it is a cathartic display. It's a time for the diversity of our community to be seen and heard in a fun and colourful context. Some go along as a first venture out of the closet while others participate with the aim of maximum provocation. Others still just take this annual opportunity to parade freely down main streets hand-in-hand with their partner. For many, however, it is simply a chance to be part of the biggest event of the year in the community and to share the experience of Gay Pride with others. "

Related Links: Dublin, June 2005 Gay Pride Parade | Gay Pride Weekend in Cork, 2004.

On a weekend which marked the first anniversary of the Rossport Camp, other communities in Ireland are finding themselves forced into similar positions of standing up for their own safety, as well as protection of natural resources from what claims to be their government.

In Co. Limerick, the communities of Kildimo and Pallaskenry are fighting for the retention of their Spring Water source and supply from Bleach Lough lake, while Limerick County Council want to connect them to a new water supply ... the polluted, yes POLLUTED River Deel
- Articles expressing solidarity with a Co. Cork community facing state environmental threat.

Supporters of the Bleach Lough Water Retention Committee met late Sunday afternoon with TD Joe Higgins in a bid to prevent 11 members of the local community from going to jail, and they are calling on Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment to intervene on the side of justice and democracy.
Why the 11 won't be cowed by prison threats, and will see it through if forced to, for the safety of their community.

Other Related Links
A Co. Dublin community's fears for safety
East Galway concerns about water pollution
Incinerators set for Ringaskiddy and Duleek, and maybe, Ringsend or Donabate.

Joe Higgins TD on the White Line, Sunday 4th June 2006 0.7 Mb

One year on from the unexplained death of Terence Wheelock after his detention in Store Street Garda Station, his family, his community and the wider Irish public demand some meaningful answers. In that time, the gardaí have paid their respects by physically attacking the Wheelock family and continuing their harassement of youths from Dublin's east inner city.

Lists of garda violence and other Human Rights abuses have been documented on indymedia.ie, but as yet, even those caught red-handed have been exhonerated by the Irish Justice System. However, the deaths of Brian Rossiter, John 'Johnner' Moloney, and Terence Wheelock, and the lack of accountability regarding numerous garda usage of lethal force, point to something very sinister among the ranks of the Guardians of the Peace, and a willingness to cover up, if not sanction it, within the Department of Justice.

Around 350 people marched yesterday from Seán MacDermott St church down to Store Street Garda station, on the first anniversary of Terence Wheelock being arrested and subsequently being found unconscious in a cell. A short ceremony was held inside the church before the march, where the priest expressed his hopes that the family would find truth, justice, freedom, and finally peace with their sons death. Members of the family and close friends were visibly upset during the 20 minute church ceremony, where music was played and a candle was lit in remembrance of Terence.

The march made its way down Gardiner Street and around by the LUAS tracks in front of Store Street Garda station. Laurence Wheelock again made the call for an independent inquiry into his brother's death. Floral tributes were left on the fence of the station. There was no visible Garda presence whatsoever around the station during the protest outside. The crowd was also addressed by Joe Costello of Labour and Mary Lou McDonald of Sinn Fein, who urged the family to continue their campaign, and who both commended the family on the dignified nature of their protests in the face of continuing Garda intimidation.
Complementary photo essay of the demonstration