New Tipperary network rejects hate and division
A NEW group whose views are being supported by a large number of organisations and individuals throughout County Tipperary has been established “to reject hate and division”.
Tipperary Welcomes in a press release describes itself as a network of community groups and civic organisations “standing together to fight for what we all need to flourish”.
It adds: “Tipperary prides itself on being welcoming. We have a rich history of diversity and community, with people from all walks of life calling Tipperary home.
“We are friends, families, neighbours, teammates, co-workers, congregants,” said the Tipperary Welcomes, which outlined its concerns about a number of developments in the county.
“A small, loud minority of haters with nothing to offer us and no vision for Tipperary’s future want to distract us by scapegoating and turning us against each other, aided by both social media platforms and some local media, who give these haters a megaphone to broadcast their fearmongering and incitement without accountability.
“Communities targeted by hate and racism feel increasingly unsafe and afraid to speak out, while those who silence us claim to represent us,” the group said.
The statement by Tipperary Welcomes was released last week as local people in the mid-Tipperary village of Dundrum expressed concern that far-right elements were exploiting the decision implemented recently to move a group of 80 people seeking international protection, comprising women and children, into Dundrum House Hotel.
Several groupings in North Tipperary are listed as supporters of Tipperary Welcomes, including Cloughjordan Palestine Justice, Corville House Direct Provision Centre in Roscrea, Roscrea Welcome Group, Sheelagh na Gig Bookshop in Cloughjordan and Roscrea Community Hub and Roscrea Youth Centre.
Other signatories include the Tipperary Green Party, Tipperary Sinn Féin Comhairle Ceantair, Tipperary Anti-Racism Network and the Workers and Unemployed Action Group.
‘LET DOWN’
Tipperary Welcomes said successive governments and politicians have let down the people of Tipperary.
“They have made decisions that favour a wealthy few instead of meeting the very real, material needs of everyone across Tipperary. We have had among the lowest numbers of new build housing anywhere in the country for over a decade, and over 3,000 people on our social housing list.
“Our health services have been cut drastically, with the closure of Nenagh A&E, St Michael's Acute Psychiatric Unit in Clonmel and most recently the end of inpatient care at St Brigid’s District Hospital in Carrick-on-Suir.
“In 2010, the government attempted to downgrade South Tipperary General Hospital, but our communities stood together and marched through our streets, over ten thousand strong, to save our acute hospital services. We achieve extraordinary things when we come together in solidarity and compassion.
“We as people of Tipperary need to stand together again and demand better for everyone. No matter who you are, where you come from or how you identify we all deserve a safe warm home, healthcare when we are sick, fantastic schools and to feel safe in our communities.
“We demand a Tipperary where everyone can flourish.” The statement ended with a list of 17 organisations in the county and 72 individuals from 16 towns, including people living in Nenagh, Clougjordan, Rathcabbin, Roscrea, Templemore, Thurles and Toomevara who are said to be supporters of the group.