The Strategic Infrastructure Bill (2006) is the pinacle of two Ministers’ of Environment contempt for ‘the law’ since this regime came to power in 1997. It was spotted as far back as last September, and again in February of this year. It bodes well for the fast-tracking of pollution projects such as roads and incinerators, and for monuments to pesimism such as prisons. From now on, nothing is sacred in this, once, sacred isle. The Bill is currently making its way through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Among other things, this Bill intends that: a local group must be active for more than 12 months and have a stated aim and objective of environmental protection, before they can even apply for a judicial review of a particular case impacting on them or thrie community.

From the News Wire: Planning law in this country is a joke. For years the odds have been stacked in favour of unsustainable development and now the FF/PD coalition is making it harder for communities to legally challenge those who are making fortunes out of wrecking the place, be they speculators, developers, multi-nationals, politicans, contractors, quarrymen or even archaeologists (but not this one)....Anarchaeologist continues on wire.

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