From Ireland, VIVAT members continue to demonstrate that even a small, aging group can remain a vibrant force for climate justice, peace, and human rights. VIVAT Ireland is actively engaging in national debates and global concerns, demonstrating that advocacy rooted in faith can continue to inspire meaningful action.
Climate Justice: Calling Ireland to Honor Its Commitments
Ireland has adopted strong climate legislation, yet implementation continues to lag behind promises. In collaboration with other NGOs, VIVAT Ireland is closely monitoring this gap between policy and practice, particularly around two pressing concerns: the proposed state-led Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal and the rapid expansion of data centers.
The proposed LNG terminal would lock Ireland into fossil-fuel dependence for the next 10 to 15 years, undermining national climate commitments and weakening the country’s responsibility for global climate action. VIVAT members, together with civil society partners, are actively lobbying against the project, seeing it as a defining moment: whether Ireland will move toward renewable energy and a just transition, or deepen its reliance on fossil fuels.
At the same time, Ireland is experiencing a significant increase in data centers, driven in part by the growing demands of artificial intelligence. These facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity and water, raising serious environmental and social concerns. VIVAT Ireland continues to highlight these hidden costs, framing the issue not simply as an environmental challenge, but as a question of justice—who bears the burden of unsustainable development and climate inaction?
Walking for Peace: Palestine, Gaza, and Global Solidarity
VIVAT Ireland is also deeply engaged in peace and human rights advocacy, particularly in solidarity with the people of Palestine and Gaza. Members regularly participate in marches and public demonstrations, using Ireland’s strong tradition of freedom of assembly to stand publicly with those suffering from war, occupation, and displacement.
A major focus of this advocacy is support for the Occupied Territory Bill, legislation that would prohibit trade in goods and services originating from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. For several years, the Irish government has promised to move this legislation forward, yet progress has been slow. VIVAT Ireland strongly supports the bill as a concrete expression of solidarity and justice.
The importance of such legislation is evident in cases where companies operating in Ireland provide technology and hardware used by the Israeli military and police, including at checkpoints in the occupied West Bank. During the latest Global Call, members were preparing to join a major public demonstration outside government buildings, urging authorities to act decisively despite political and diplomatic resistance.
Reflecting Critically on the “Board of Peace” Proposal
VIVAT Ireland has also been helping to circulate the recent declaration by Pax Christi International regarding the so-called “Board of Peace” proposed by the President of the United States in January 2026 as a new mechanism for addressing conflicts, beginning with Gaza.
Pax Christi International expressed deep concern about the proposal, warning of its implications for the United Nations, the multilateral system, and the people of Gaza themselves. VIVAT Ireland believes it is important that people understand what this initiative entails and can respond critically and responsibly.
Laudato Si’: The Spiritual Foundation of Advocacy
The work of VIVAT Ireland is deeply nourished by the spirit of Laudato Si’. Several members serve as Laudato Si’ Animators and are part of a strong national network that meets monthly to remain connected to ecological movements and global Church initiatives.
Through this network, they participate in Laudato Si’ Week, Earth Day celebrations, the Season of Creation, and wider ecological initiatives such as the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign. They also stay informed about preparations for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, helping mobilize their congregations to see climate action not as an optional concern, but as an essential expression of faith and mission.
The group also followed and participated in the “Rising Hope” Conference in Rome online, drawing inspiration and practical ideas for local advocacy efforts.
Human Rights Advocacy Through the UPR Process
VIVAT Ireland also remains engaged in formal human rights mechanisms, particularly through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. Recently, the group joined many other NGOs in endorsing the UPR submission on Ireland, recommending important changes to government policies related to justice and human rights.
Fr. Liam Dunne has been in direct contact with the submission organizers to ensure that VIVAT’s contribution, including a short written statement and the VIVAT logo, was properly included. This marks an important step in linking local realities in Ireland with international human rights advocacy at the United Nations.
Sr. Irene also described this collaborative work as “very energizing,” especially the opportunity to work alongside other congregations and advocacy networks. At the same time, Fr. Liam expressed appreciation for the VIVAT Global Call and encouraged the New York Office to continue providing regular updates and communication, recognizing that connections across the network strengthen motivation and a shared mission.
“Plenty to Keep Us Going”
Although many members of VIVAT Ireland are older, the group remains far from inactive. Their work spans climate justice, peace advocacy, ecological spirituality, and human rights engagement at both local and international levels.
As Sr. Irene beautifully expressed, they have “plenty to keep us going.” Their witness reminds us that commitment to justice does not depend on size or age, but on conviction, faith, and the courage to continue speaking for peace, human dignity, and care for our common home.
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