Tipperary Community Fighting Erosion Of Irish Neutrality

Tipperary Neutrality Network in Coordination with Cork Action Against War have reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ireland’s neutrality following two important public events this summer: our Public Information Talk on 13 July and our March and Rally on 15 August.

At our Public Information Talk on 13 July, we were delighted to be joined by Ed Horgan of Shannonwatch, Fionn Wallace from the Neutrality Now Roadshow, Seamus Healy T.D and Kathleen Funchion MEP. Their contributions brought valuable experience and perspectives to an engaging public discussion on Irish neutrality, the Triple Lock and the importance of maintaining an independent Irish foreign policy.

We were delighted to be joined on both occasions by Cork Action Against War, demonstrating the growing determination among communities and peace campaigners to defend Ireland’s long-standing tradition of neutrality. 

At our August rally, we were honoured to welcome Imelda O’Donovan of Cork Action Against War as a guest speaker. Imelda and the group are currently delivering public information talks on the Triple Lock and Irish neutrality, explaining how the two are closely connected and why the Triple Lock remains an important safeguard for Ireland’s independent foreign policy. Their work is bringing this vital conversation directly into communities across Cork and further afield, helping people understand what is at stake and why decisions about Ireland’s neutrality must not be made without informed public debate. We were delighted to have Imelda bring that message to Tipperary and to stand together in defence of peace, neutrality and democratic accountability.

Owen Buchanan of Tipperary Neutrality Network also spoke about the importance of protecting the Triple Lock as a vital safeguard for Irish neutrality and democratic accountability. He called on people to make their voices heard, stressing that decisions of such enormous consequence must not be made without the democratic will of the Irish people.

Central to our campaign is the defence of the Triple Lock, which requires UN authorisation, Government approval and Dáil approval before Irish troops can participate in any overseas missions. The Triple Lock is an important democratic safeguard. It should be protected, not dismantled or weakened.

Following the rejection of the NiceTreaty , assurances on Ireland’s traditional policy of neutrality formed part of the guarantees secured before the Lisbon Treaty was put to the people . The existence of safeguards such as the Triple Lock was central to the treaty and why people voted for it. 

Ireland has a proud and long-standing history of neutrality, peacekeeping, diplomacy and humanitarian engagement. At a time of growing international conflict and pressure for increased military spending, we believe Ireland should strengthen that tradition rather than move towards deeper militarisation.

We also reject the diversion of increasing amounts of public money towards militarisation while communities face enormous pressures on housing, healthcare, disability services, education, transport and other essential services.

Our message is clear: public money should be invested in public services, not militarisation.

The strong public engagement with our July information talk and August march and rally shows that these questions matter deeply to people in Tipperary, Cork and beyond.

Tipperary Neutrality Network will continue to inform, organise and campaign for an independent Irish foreign policy based on peace, neutrality, democracy and international cooperation.

Protect the Triple Lock! Defend Irish neutrality, put it to the people, and referendum now! Invest in our people and our public services!