The former Greenpeace activist and surfer included charity swims in Spanish Point and Ballyalla
MEP for Clare, Grace O’Sullivan, took part in a tour of the county this week along with her Green Party colleague Róisín Garvey. Starting with a visit to Coláiste Muire where the MEP talked to students from a fully kitted out stage for their upcoming Christmas show “Mamma Mia!” she also met with active community groups in the county.
The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, based in Kilrush, met with Grace to discuss ocean protection and upcoming legislation on marine protected areas before she went for a chilly swim in Spanish Point with sea-swimming community Snámhaí Sásta, organised by June Curtin.
That evening there was a full house in the Temple Gate for an evening of ocean-themed visuals with filmographer Ken O’Sullivan (no relation!)
On Wednesday Grace met with Green Part Ennis Representative Bridget Ginnity and local swimmers for a dip in Ballyalla lake where she took part in the #Swim4Freedom campaign in support of Sean Binder, who will face trial in January in Greece on “trumped-up charges” related to his search and rescue work with refugees.
She then stopped into Clare Haven and Mná ag Gáire – Ennis Womens’ Shed before a meeting with the disability rights campaigners of Clare LEADER Forum.
“It has been a jam-packed few days and I have been energised by so many inspirational people I have met along the way like June Curtin of “Snámhaí Sásta” in Spanish Point, the volunteers and workers in Clare Haven and small business owners like Patricia Farrell of Wilde Irish Chocolates in Scariff. Policymaking, be it in Dublin or Brussels, is led by community action and momentum from citizens who are keen to agitate for change, such as disability rights or climate action. As we legislate to designate 30% of our seas as Marine Protected Areas, it has also been great to focus on issues related to the beauty of our oceans, with the help of people like Ken O’Sullivan.”
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