The old system, where fossil fuel companies profit while families struggle to pay their bills, cannot continue. We can build an economy that delivers comfort and security for all.
A major turnout of people gathered in Dublin today to demand that the Government deliver faster and just climate action and an end to fossil fuel corporate power.
The national climate demonstration - part of a global day of action during the critical COP30 talks in Belém, Brazil - saw students, workers, parents, pensioners and activists unite behind a shared call for fairness, sustainability and energy security.
Organised by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition - of which Oxfam Ireland, Trócaire, AMLÉ and more are members - the march sent a clear message: fossil fuel greed is fuelling inequality, and the transition to clean, renewable energy must put people first.
We have over 60 groups represented here today, from environmental, students, families, faith-based groups, workers and unions, healthcare professionals and many more. No matter your age or interest, climate change is something that links us all. The Government can't turn a blind eye or get away with weak ambition. It's costing the state billions in fines and it'll cost people in ways that can't be quantified in Euros. Micheál Martin needs to make good on his speech at COP in Brazil and implement that here in a meaningful way. We need fast, fair and funded climate action.
— Sara Hurley, Coordinator for the Stop Climate Chaos coalition
Also at the heart of today’s demonstration was a vision for Ireland where every household can afford a home that is powered by and heated with clean energy.
People across Ireland want affordable homes powered by clean energy; homes that are warm, safe and sustainable. The old system, where fossil fuel companies profit while families struggle to pay their bills, cannot continue. We can build an economy that delivers comfort and security for all. The shift to clean energy is not just about reducing emissions: it’s about creating an equal society. When we invest in home retrofitting, renewable energy and community power, we lower costs, cut pollution and create good jobs. Everyone benefits.
— Sinéad Roche, Campaigns Coordinator for Oxfam Ireland
The extraction and burning of fossil fuels is bad for our planet and for people - this has been clear for decades. Everyone will be affected by climate change in the form of extreme weather events and risks to our economies and food systems. However, the impacts on women and marginalised communities, in Ireland and around the world, are often overlooked and sidelined in public discourse. There is no sustainable future without gender equality and social justice - these issues must be at the heart of our government's climate policy.
— Sadhbh O’Neill, Project Lead from Feminist Communities for Climate Justice.
A fairer, fossil-free future
The demonstration called for a rapid phase-out of fossil fuels and bold investment in renewable energy that serves people and communities. Campaigners urged the Government to:
End fossil fuel subsidies and redirect public money into renewable power and home retrofitting.
Deliver a national plan for affordable homes powered by clean energy, cutting bills and emissions.
Ensure wealthy polluters and corporations pay their fair share for the damage they’ve caused.
Commit to a just transition that creates green jobs, better transport and thriving rural communities.
Provide fair, grant-based climate finance to support countries most affected by the crisis.
From renewable cooperatives to insulation schemes and solar-powered schools, Irish communities are already proving that cleaner, fairer energy is possible. Today’s march showed that people across the country are ready for the Government to match their ambition.
People across Ireland want affordable homes powered by clean energy; homes that are warm, safe and sustainable. The old system, where fossil fuel companies profit while families struggle to pay their bills, cannot continue. We can build an economy that delivers comfort and security for all. The shift to clean energy is not just about reducing emissions: it’s about creating an equal society. When we invest in home retrofitting, renewable energy and community power, we lower costs, cut pollution and create good jobs. Everyone benefits.
