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Fridays for Future

Thousands of Irish schoolchildren join strike to demand government action on climate change

It follows a strike held by schoolchildren in Ireland earlier this year.

LAST UPDATE | May 24th 2019, 6:47 PM

Schools Climate Action Network 12 (1) Schools Climate Action Network in Merrion Square, Dublin. Extinction Rebellion Ireland Extinction Rebellion Ireland

THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS across the country took part in another strike today to demand that the government takes action on addressing the problem of climate change.

The strike, which is being organised by the Schools’ Climate Action Network (SCAN), follows a series of nationwide protests calling for similar action in March.

On that occasion, students called for six climate action demands, including an end to the use of fossil fuels by 2030, the declaration of a climate emergency, a transition to a carbon-neutral society, and to have the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate Change implemented.

Schoolchildren have called on members of the public to support them with their five remaining demands, following the declaration of a climate emergency by the government earlier this month. 

(Click here if video doesn’t play)

Ahead of the protest, Lillie Power, a 14 year-old student from Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School, said while she welcomed the government’s declaration, more still had to be done.

Schools Climate Action Network 2 The scene at Merrion Square. Extinction Rebellion Ireland Extinction Rebellion Ireland

“Saying something is not the same as doing something about it, it’s just not enough,” she told organisers ahead of the strike. “We need action.”

The largest demonstration took place in Dublin where speeches were heard at Merrion Square. 

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