Dundrum Climate Vigil group step up Main Street campaign

THE Dundrum Climate Vigil marked 40 weeks of raising awareness about the climate crisis last week.

The group stands in support of the actions of school students demanding a safe future for themselves and the planet.

Numbers are growing, they say, and interest from passers-by has been high as climate change has been highlighted in many political parties’ election manifestos.

The group members recently welcomed three leading local clergymen: Fr John Bracken of Holy Cross Parish, Reverend Stephen Taylor of Dundrum Methodist Church, and Reverend Canon Robert Warren, Rector of Taney Parish.

“We really appreciate the support local churches and parishioners have shown for our work,” said Wendy Cox, a founding member of the group.

In another positive development, the group now regularly includes Jess Dollinger, manager, and staff of the new Dundrum Village zero-waste shop, The Good Neighbour, who have committed to joining the vigil for a short time each week.

And, with Election 2020 now upon us, the vigil group has endorsed the national ‘One Future Ireland’ campaign, and its list of demands for faster, fairer climate action by the new Irish Government. 

They have also produced their own leaflets highlighting nine areas where strong policies and fast action are needed if Ireland is to play its part in avoiding the worst effects of the climate crisis.

They include a rapid and fair transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy; banning imports of fracked gas; expanding and improving public transport; helping individuals insulate their homes to save energy; supporting farmers to produce food more sustainably; and restoring and protecting our rich wildlife.

The group’s presence on Main Street each week sends a powerful message: “We invite everyone who is concerned for the future, and understands the need for urgent climate action, to join our weekly vigil, which takes place from 10.15 – 11.15am, outside the former Joe Daly’s bike shop and opposite the Village Charity Shop.”
As Greta Thunberg says: “All are welcome, all are needed!”