On Wednesday May 21^st Limerick will host a Neutrality Roadshow that looks at the government’s proposed plans to dismantle the mechanism that regulates the deployment of Irish Defence Forces overseas known as the Triple Lock as well as other aspects of Irish neutrality. The event is part of a one-month tour of Ireland to host conversations with local communities at a time when Ireland’s commitment to peace and international justice is more important than ever.

The Limerick event is organised by Shannonwatch and will take place at 7pm in STARLING, 31 Nicholas Street, V94W276 (opposite the Cinema Cafe).

In March, the government brought legislation to Cabinet to dismantle the Triple Lock. If this is successful, Irish troops could be deployed overseas, not to keep the peace as they have always done, but to engage in conflict as part of an EU Battlegroup or potentially NATO-led missions.

The organiser of the Neutrality Roadshow Niamh Ni Bhriain of the Transnational Institute said

“Since the foundation of the state, Irish troops have only served overseas on UN mandated missions. Removing the Triple Lock will fundamentally change the character of Ireland’s engagement with the world. It may also make Ireland a target for attack if Irish troops become embroiled in future wars overseas.”

Former UN peacekeeper and Shannonwatch member, Edward Horgan, said:

“While the world has lost a peacemaker with the death of Pope Francis, there are no shortages of potential war-makers in Europe and internationally, In Ireland our political leaders continue to erode our active neutrality by abandoning the Triple Lock, failing to pass the Occupied Territories Bill, providing military and financial support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and appeasing the US Trump administration in its global economic war.”

Many academics and others have spoken out about the importance of the Triple Lock including Professor Ray Murphy of the Irish Centre for Human Rights, University of Galway who said: “In order to protect our military neutrality and support the UN’s role in the maintenance of international peace and security, it is essential to maintain the Triple Lock.”

The Roadshow is a grassroots people-led initiative that is not affiliated with any political party. It will see local communities host speakers from diverse backgrounds including peace activists and anti-war campaigners, former peace-keepers, legal scholars, academics, writers, and artists. It forms part of a broader campaign launched earlier this year to keep Ireland neutral and save the Triple Lock.

Places at the Limerick event are limited so anyone wishing to attend should email shannonwatch@gmail.com to reserve a place.

Contacts for further details 

General inquiries on the roadshow: Niamh Ní Bhriain: n.nibhriain@tni.org 0031-683161768

Local contact (Limerick) John Lannon, Shannonwatch shannonwatch@gmail.com 087 8225087