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Minister for Transport and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan. Sam Boal

Eamon Ryan 'wouldn't object' to bringing Budget forward to September

The Minister for Transport said the matter will be discussed at Cabinet next week.

TRANSPORT MINISTER EAMON Ryan has said that he would not object to bringing the Budget forward by a month to September.

The idea is understood to be being considered by Government as a way to respond to the ongoing cost of living crisis without introducing a mini budget, something opposition leaders have been calling for.

The Government has already indicated that no additional measures will be introduced before Budget 2023 to help tackle the rising cost of living.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland programme, Ryan said the matter will be discussed at Cabinet early next week when Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath set out the Summer Economic Statement.

“I wouldn’t object if we had to move into the September period rather than October and I think that’s a matter for Cabinet to decide early next week. I don’t believe we should go for what the opposition are calling for which is doing it today,” he said.

“I think the critical thing in the Budget is that it is going to be a difficult winter and autumn because there is a strong possibility that Russia will use the flow of gas and turn it off in a deliberate way to try and further put pressure on the European Union.

“In those circumstances, I think our measures in the Budget do have to be targeted as much as possible to protect those at risk of fuel poverty, and I think that’s that’s one of the key things we need to get right.”

Asked about Minister of State Joe O’Brien calling for increases in pension and social welfare payments in the autumn, Ryan said that there is also a category of people who are working who also need support and “it’s that sort of sophisticated targeting is, I think, where we need to go”.

He said that both he and the Government believe that those at risk of fuel poverty need to be protected most in the upcoming Budget.

“That isn’t just about one number and one category in social welfare. It is about looking at a variety of different families who could well be working who might not be fully reliant on social welfare, but who will be in similar difficulties,” he said.

“I think it’s using the time over these coming weeks with social partners to try and hear their views and with trade unions and the business community to do what we do well in this country, we work in partnership, and you don’t do the Budget three months in advance.”

Fuel rationing ‘unlikely’

Ryan said that he does not expect fuel rationing or power outages to be a feature of the Irish winter as we only receive 2-3% of gas from Russia.

However, he said that Ireland will continue to be affected by the higher energy costs “which have been driven up by Russia using oil and gas as a political tool in this war”.

“There is risk around future oil supplies because Russian exports count for about three million barrels on international markets, but we’ve taken a lot of steps with international energy to prepare for that. So it’s unlikely, but the signal is clear. We have to stop our use of those fuels,” he said.

Yesterday, EU leaders agreed on draft legislation aimed at slashing EU greenhouse gases by at least 55% in 2030. 

The legislation will also include a mandatory carbon tax, which Ireland will be exempt from as it has already been introduced here. Ryan said future scrapping of Ireland’s carbon tax would mean having to pay the European tax.

He said that the European legislation is the “basic underpinning” of a new economy in Europe and that there is a “greater acceleration” on cutting down on fossil fuels following the invasion in Ukraine.

“There’s real solidarity and commitment and purpose to stop our reliance on imported fossil fuels to switch to using our own power to be really efficient in everything we do, because I think the European governments and countries and people can see that we’re exposed, we’re at risk, that reliance on other people’s energy supply to provide for our economy is something we have to stop. So it is very significant,” he said.

Leaders’ Questions

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar today defended the Government’s response to the cost-of-living crisis, saying it has done more than other similar countries.

Following Ryan’s comments, Varadkar hinted that this year’s Budget could be brought forward, after he referred to it taking place in the autumn several times.

He told the Dail that the Government will bring in measures which will take effect “almost immediately” in the days after the Budget.

However, he was criticised by Sinn Fein’s finance spokesman, Pearse Doherty, who said families are struggling now and will face further pressure due to back-to-school costs.

“Families are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis and many parents find themselves under serious financial pressure,” Mr Doherty said.

“For parents whose number one priority is their children, times are very tough.

“I’ve said it before, that the cost-of-living crisis is happening right here, right now.

Varadkar said the global inflation crisis will not end following the Budget, and warned that Ireland will be “grappling” with the crisis for “months, if not years ahead”.

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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mr Jerry Curtin
    Favourite Mr Jerry Curtin
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:15 AM

    While they are at it. Can they change pembrook Road where the Israeli embassy is to “Free Palestine Road”.

    Thanks

    503
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    Mute Ciaran O'Mara
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    Mar 10th 2022, 2:04 PM

    @Mr Jerry Curtin: the Israelis have left there and moved to Shelbourne Road.

    22
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    Mute john smith iv
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    Mar 10th 2022, 6:07 PM

    @Ciaran O’Mara: oh there’s no changing that.

    9
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    Mute Mary Conneely
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:10 AM

    That should drop the price of houses by a lot of zeros, can’t see the residents agreeing to that.

    363
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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
    Favourite Tricia G ☘️
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:18 AM

    @Mary Conneely: You think a road name would drop those house prices? Nonsense.

    156
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    Mute Liam Ó hAodha
    Favourite Liam Ó hAodha
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:03 AM

    @Tricia G ☘️: Yes, of course street names matter to households
    Why do you think the people of Ballymun Avenue changed their street name to Glasnevin avenue?

    327
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    Mute GrumpyAulFella
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:24 AM

    @Tricia G ☘️: have you ever tried to buy a house on Aylesbury or Shrewsbury roads when playing Monopoly Ireland edition? Even Hasbro understands the significance of the road names in Dublin. :)

    101
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    Mute ProtectKyiv
    Favourite ProtectKyiv
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:29 AM

    @Mary Conneely: ughhh dead toddlers Vs house prices? I need a shower

    44
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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:53 AM

    @Tricia G ☘️: Yes it does as does a postal address. Thats the reality of it.

    39
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    Mute Genera L Consensus
    Favourite Genera L Consensus
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:09 PM

    @Mary Conneely: the terrorist embassy being there is already bringing down the value of the road

    45
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    Mute TomTraubert
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:39 AM

    Ok, this is starting to go too far. There’s a smidge of virtue signaling about this. Can’t see the residents being too happy about it either.

    325
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    Mute john smith iv
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    Mar 10th 2022, 6:10 PM

    @TomTraubert: it’s childish pseudo politics. College politics after graduation. Russia is wrong in this conflict but this is literally jingoism.

    48
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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
    Favourite Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Mar 12th 2022, 2:40 PM

    @TomTraubert: If reidents vote in favour, I’d say good for them – they’re invited to vote here, not to take their cue from one random comment against the proposal. It’s entirely up to them to cast votes, since we live in a democracy and that’s how it works.

    How do you make it a thing that’s allegedly ‘going too far’ when your own opinion is that it signals virtue? Is it better in your opinion to signal vice or are you thinking at all?

    1
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    Mute Shaun Gallagher
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:11 AM

    Iran done this years ago when they changed the name of the road where the entrance to the British Embassy was to Bobby Sands Rd and it made the embassy change its entrance to other road as they didn’t want to receive postage addressed to Bobby Sands Rd

    299
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    Mute Stanley Marsh
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:52 AM

    @Shaun Gallagher: I would have thought the fact that the embassy is already on a street called Orwell Road is enough.

    125
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    Mute Ciaran O'Mara
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    Mar 10th 2022, 2:05 PM

    @Shaun Gallagher: Iran did

    9
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    Mute larry bird
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:01 AM

    Seriously, Are you sure Mannix Flynn isn’t behind this idea because it sounds like one of his.

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    Mute Justin Gillespie
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:54 AM

    @larry bird: I’d say Putin will be seriously impressed by this bit of virtue signaling.

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    Mute Here's How Podcast
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:09 AM

    @larry bird: Wrong council

    26
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    Mute TomTraubert
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:25 AM

    @Here’s How Podcast: nope, the road is in two local authority areas.

    1
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    Mute Gary Kearney
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:55 AM

    @larry bird: Cllr Flynn is a member of the Dublin City Council, not the DLRC. It is stated in the article that it is a motion from the local area committee in DLRC as that is where the embassy is situated.
    Read the article rather than having a pop at Mannix.

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    Mute TomTraubert
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:08 PM

    @Gary Kearney: Dermot lacey in newstalk this morning said it was discussed between both local authorities.

    9
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    Mute FiannaFáilness FineGaelness
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    Mar 10th 2022, 6:20 PM

    The Iranians named the street that the British Embassy is on after Bobby Sands so the Brits made a new entrance on an adjoining street to change the address.

    6
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    Mute Pól Ó'hAodha
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:04 AM

    This is pure cringe

    310
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    Mute GrumpyAulFella
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:12 AM

    I’m not so sure that the well-heeled residents of Orwell Rd who paid ridiculously over-inflated prices for their little strip of D6 will be overjoyed with the new name. Will be interesting to see if they agree to the change.

    245
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    Mute Gavin Linden
    Favourite Gavin Linden
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:54 AM

    Oh My Good Lord!!
    Really? 1st of April is a bit away yet.

    114
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    Mute Paul Keenan
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:03 AM

    Great idea, and let’s get it changed

    111
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    Mute Declan Mckenna
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:11 AM

    I’m glad we pay theses geniuses so much. I’d say the Russians are quaking in their boots

    152
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    Mute E.J. Murray
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:50 PM

    @Declan Mckenna: — Your new address will be Vlad Bot Road.

    33
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    Mute David Dineen
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:15 AM

    Lets all send a postcard to the russain embassy, independent Ukraine Road, Dublin, if a few hundred got sent it might send a message to those inside.. Words matter

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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Mar 12th 2022, 2:43 PM

    @David Dineen: They do. It seems that words do matter. (I was one of many who sent a postcard to Windscale, since renamed Sellafield.)

    1
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    Mute Tricia G ☘️
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:18 AM

    In 1986, Glasgow changed the name of St George’s Place to Nelson Mandela Place. The South African consulate-general was based in a building on Nelson Mandela Place.

    Each incremental drip becomes a wave.

    88
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    Mute Brian Ó Murchú
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:33 AM

    This is the craziest idea they have come up with so far Even crazier than their decision to hoist the breakaway Spanish regions flag over the council buildings.

    133
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    Mute Hugh Mc Donnell
    Favourite Hugh Mc Donnell
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:13 AM

    It’s great to see this solidarity but please don’t forget about the Palestinian people can we name a street in Dublin for them also.

    86
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    Mute Michael Rossney
    Favourite Michael Rossney
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    Mar 10th 2022, 9:23 AM

    We can help

    Offer Accommodation https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie/#/pledging/room

    Volunteering sort Donations etc iamukrainian dot ie

    Facebook Groups to offer Support for people arriving https://www.facebook.com/groups/379406900679082/?ref=share

    Donate power banks, mobile phones and medical supplies

    Have 2 pin (round pins) into Irish plug adaptors for people arriving

    Offer a job – even something casual a solo parent can do like doing a bag of ironing.

    Offer child support so people can work remotely or go to work a job

    Support Ukrainian owned businesses like The Art of Coffee (I’m not affiliated. Please share others if you know of any)

    77
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    Mute Roger Bond
    Favourite Roger Bond
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:54 PM

    Ireland as a country don’t have any enemies but we are as sure as hell trying to make an enemy of Russia.
    Is this really in our interests.
    These local councillors are just being populist.

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    Mute Richard Williamson
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    Mar 10th 2022, 3:30 PM

    @Roger Bond: do you get paid to be for your work here. Why do you like Vlad so much?

    10
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    Mute Jonathan O'Riordan
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    Mar 10th 2022, 6:12 PM

    @Richard Williamson: think he lives in a fantasy land as some combination of Roger Moore and James Bond

    5
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    Mute Mickelodian Ranks
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    Mar 11th 2022, 3:09 AM

    @Roger Bond: You are assuming Roger that there is even going to BE a Russian federation in a few weeks time to be an enemy of! Even Putin and Dmitry Medvedev wrote and said things that would lead you to believe their main concerns over the last 10 years was stopping their Federation dissolving into 46 Oblasts! Its on the cards even without all this Ukraine and Sanctions thing…

    1
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    Mute David Van-Standen
    Favourite David Van-Standen
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    Mar 10th 2022, 1:12 PM

    Its pointless virtue signalling and bandwagon jumping by these councillors to be honest.

    73
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    Mute Fiona Fitzgerald
    Favourite Fiona Fitzgerald
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    Mar 12th 2022, 2:48 PM

    @David Van-Standen: Luckily we have a system where residents will then be asked to vote for or against the idea. If it makes no difference to you, fair enough. The important issue here is that they’ll have the choice and the support of their local government either way.

    1
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    Mute Nick Murphy
    Favourite Nick Murphy
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:00 PM

    Nothing for Yemen no ? OK so

    51
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    Mute George Demo
    Favourite George Demo
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:19 PM

    Not a hope in hell of this happening, as an alternative I Would suggest putting Ukrainian flags on every lamppost along the road

    55
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    Mute Ger O'Reilly
    Favourite Ger O'Reilly
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    Mar 10th 2022, 1:17 PM

    What a moranic suggestion. If you want to do something paint a Ukrainian flag 100 metres long on the road outside the Russian embassy.

    34
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    Mute Gary Mullen
    Favourite Gary Mullen
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    Mar 10th 2022, 3:41 PM

    @Ger O’Reilly: go bigger, paint every house on the road blue & yellow

    12
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    Mute Eamonn Tierney
    Favourite Eamonn Tierney
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:18 AM

    This on its own will not Stop This War but will send a message to the Russians on our support for the people of Ukraine

    38
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    Mute Michael Rossney
    Favourite Michael Rossney
    Report
    Mar 10th 2022, 9:24 AM

    We can help

    Offer Accommodation https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie/#/pledging/room

    Volunteering sort Donations etc iamukrainian dot ie

    Facebook Groups to offer Support for people arriving https://www.facebook.com/groups/379406900679082/?ref=share

    Donate power banks, mobile phones and medical supplies

    Have 2 pin (round pins) into Irish plug adaptors for people arriving

    Offer a job – even something casual a solo parent can do like doing a bag of ironing.

    Offer child support so people can work remotely or go to work a job

    Support Ukrainian owned businesses like The Art of Coffee (I’m not affiliated. Please share others if you know of any)

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary Kearney
    Favourite Gary Kearney
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    Mar 10th 2022, 11:56 AM

    Its a show of solidarity and its good to see all the councillors supporting it.

    18
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    Mute Míleata Watch Co
    Favourite Míleata Watch Co
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    Mar 10th 2022, 1:39 PM

    Should change it to… Lying Invaders.

    So the address would read
    Russian embassy
    Lying Invaders
    Dublin 6

    19
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    Mute Genera L Consensus
    Favourite Genera L Consensus
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:08 PM

    The local Des & Barbara’s won’t like any of this

    13
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    Mute Joe Kelly
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    Mar 10th 2022, 12:19 PM

    Road is so common the locals might be persuaded by Boulevard.
    My own preference would be FFF Lane,

    11
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    Mute Ronan O Connor
    Favourite Ronan O Connor
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    Mar 10th 2022, 10:55 AM

    Can the appropriate councils give consideration to a number of other locations while their at it i.e. Elgin Road, Merrion Road etc.? A smorgasbord of suggestions come to mind.

    11
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    Mute Jonathan O'Riordan
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    Mar 10th 2022, 5:27 PM

    I like the idea of all poles along the road to have Ukrainian flags flying for Herr Filatov and his cronies

    10
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    Mute Pat Murray
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    Mar 10th 2022, 1:25 PM

    Peace Road

    8
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    Mute Mickelodian Ranks
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    Mar 11th 2022, 3:02 AM

    I have a much better address that annoys nobody… and blows the suggested name out of the water.

    Embassy of the Russian Federation
    Zelenskyy Place,
    186 Orwell Rd,
    Rathmines Great,
    Dublin 14

    Eircode: UKRAINE (not sure if this eircode could be done but I’d say so)

    4
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    Mute Mickelodian Ranks
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    Mar 11th 2022, 3:01 AM

    I have a much better address that annoys nobody… and blows the suggested name out of the water.

    Embassy of the Russian Federation
    Zelenskyy Place,
    186 Orwell Rd,
    Rathmines Great,
    Dublin

    Eircode: UKRAINE (not sure if this eircode could be done but I’d say so)

    1
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