Killian Mangan🇮🇪

@killianm97.bsky.social

202 Followers 140 Following

We All Thrive when we Democratise-Decentralise-Decarbonise! Ran in the Local and General Elections. CATU Waterford Comms Officer and a member of Waterford For All. Game & Level Designer.

Zoomed in map of Waterford city with proposed tram route including stops
A lot of this opposition comes from the fact that residents feel ignored when decisions are made by an unelected local government ('Council CEO' and Directors of Services who form the executive) - and I completely agree with Cllr Adam Wyse's recent appeals to improve democratic accountability. Changing Section 38 wouldn't be enough, as it still encourages elected councillors to oppose everything (as every councillor is effectively forced into being in opposition due to our undemocratic system of local government where they are blocked from being decision-makers), denies them any ability to form a democratic executive, and allows the Council CEO and Directors of Services to ignore public feedback without any cost. Every other democracy in the world has 1 of 3 forms of democratic government structures: A cabinet system with an executive formed of elected councillors - a Local Mayor and Local Ministers (like we and most other European countries have at national level, a parliamentary system) A committee system with a series of cross-party executive Local Committees for Housing, Transport etc - this works really well in Scotland especially as it encourages cross-party collaboration and includes all democratic representatives. A mayoral/presidential system, with a directly-elected executive mayor and Local Commissioners that they appoint, all held accountable by elected councillors. This system has been implemented in Limerick (to a minor extent, with the Council CEO renamed Director General and still retaining a lot of power without any democratic accountability).
I hope you're doing well. I recently came across a Waterford News & Star article about yet another delay to what would be only the 2nd example of proper segregated bike infrastructure in Waterford City (after the embarrassingly-small 25 meters of bike paths on the Cork Road near Railway Square). Alongside the national Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael government giving us much less active travel funding per capita than the other regional cities (Waterford got just €9m, while Cork got €47m, Limerick got €19.35m, and Galway got €14.46m) - those in power are allowing Waterford to fall further behind while Cork/Limerick/Galway race ahead. I honestly don't know how Waterford City can ever get better when any changes are constantly delayed as young people continue our mass exodus out of the city, to cities which provide a better quality of life (which includes more active travel infrastructure to reduce traffic, reduce cost of living - through not requiring ownership of an expensive car - and improve wellbeing). This latest delay seems to come from the uninformed perspective of current Mayor Seamus Ryan, who said: “Why would we have cycle lanes going on the wrong side of the road? That, to me, just does not make any traffic sense,” Mayor Ryan said. “It's going to be unsafe for cyclists, it's going to be unsafe for motorists, and it's going to be unsafe for pedestrians.”
(I've been trying to improve my Spanish by writing Spanish versions of my posts too) Me he dado cuenta que conozco/sigo a tantos Venezolanos y he dedicado un tiempo para escuchar sus perspectivas y tratar de entender sus opiniones. Algunos de mis pensamientos - solo mi punto de vista pero creo que está más pensado y tengo en cuenta más información que muchas de las declaraciones que se han visto en los últimos días. No será corto pero esta no es una situación sencilla tampoco. 1) Muchos venezolanos están (comprensiblemente) increíblemente felices de que la dictadura horrible de Maduro se haya terminado. Maduro destrozó Venezuela y cometió varios crimines contra la humanidad, incluido tortura, asesinato en masa, y otras formas de represión severa. Robó varias elecciones y *nadie* que esté informado (sea de izquierda o de derechas) debe apoyar a Maduro o su gobierno en cualquiera manera. 2) Muchos Venezolanos están furiosos (comprensiblemente) con los de la izquierda en la UE/los EEUU cuyas críticas de las acciones de Trump se convierten en apoyo tácito a Maduro o a su gobierno represivo. Echar la culpa de esta situación exclusivamente a las sanciones de los EEUU es demasiado simplista y muestra una falta de entendimiento de la situación (países como Cuba han afrontado sanciones por décadas pero aún así hay mucha mejor calidad de vida allí). Muchos países Sudamericanos y España han encontrado una mejor balanza en sus declaraciones, pero deben condenar mucho más las acciones de EEUU - y en verdad deberían haber hecho más para arreglar la situación antes de que está situación llegara a este punto, ya que son los países vecinos. Igual que Europa asistió a Ucrania, dónde estaban los demás países de Sudamérica y América central para ayudar a mantener la paz y la justicia en Venezuela? Aparte de acoger (de mala gana) 8 millones de refugiados? 3) Por mucho que algunos venezolanos que viven en el extranjero quieran hacerte creer que cada venezolano está completamente de…
Since Trump's illegal bombing and kidnapping of the head of state in Venezuela, I've taken time to reach out to many Venezuelans I know from living in Spain and also those I know from Ireland and the UK, and wanted to share some thoughts: 1) Many Venezuelans are understandably incredibly happy that the horrible dictator Maduro is gone. He ruined Venezuela and committed countless proven crimes against humanity, including torture, mass murder, and other severe repression. He stole multiple elections and *nobody* who is informed (whether Left or right) should in any way support him or his government. 2) Many Venezuelans are understandably incredibly angry at those, especially us on the Left in the EU/US, whose criticism of Trump's actions veer into tacit support of Maduro or his repressive government. Exclusively blaming US sanctions for Venezuela's problems is overly simplistic and shows a lack of understanding (countries like Cuba have faced severe US sanctions for decades yet manages to provide a much better quality of life for people there). Many South American countries and Spain have struck a better balance, but must go further in condemning US actions - and really should have done more to resolve the situation before it came to this, as neighbouring countries. As Europe came to the aid of Ukraine, where was the rest of South and Central America to help bring peace and justice to Venezuela, apart from reluctantly taking in much of the 8 million refugees? 3) As much as a few vocal Venezuelans abroad might want you to think that every one of them is supportive of Trump's illegal bombing and kidnapping, opinions are more mixed on his actions, especially once you include those living there still and disaffected socialists (though Maduro is near-universally unpopular due to his repression). It's important to keep in mind that those who have been forced to leave will tend to be the most right-wing, and are melding valid opposition to Maduro's repression with simplis…
In recent days and weeks, many in local media and on social media have been highlighting the horrible traffic congestion faced by those living in and around our city. Alongside these many complaints, some have highlighted supposed ‘solutions’ to the gridlock - conservative suggestions, which ultimately include even more lanes for traffic and additional parking spaces. There is a better alternative, which is actually based on best-practice in urban planning across Europe; reducing the number of cars on the road by providing additional transport options and by planning for medium-density, mixed-use buildings, which can build thriving, walkable communities. The traffic congestion in a city like Waterford is not normal. Nor is it normal in Galway, nor in Dublin. This is caused, simply, by too many people driving. And that is due, in part, to a lack of freedom to choose how we want to travel safely and efficiently. I am one such example; despite never once driving anywhere else I've lived, preferring to cycle or use public transport, my life in Waterford is dominated by driving, due to a lack of safe and segregated bike paths, severe urban sprawl, and abysmal public transport for a city the size of Waterford. Our lack of public transport infrastructure in our cities makes Ireland the clear outlier among European countries. Many similarly-populated cities across our continent have at least one tram line, and a large number of bus routes - with some providing 24-hour coverage. During my local and general election campaigns, I found 10 French and German cities the size of Waterford which have tramlines. In particular, I highlighted the example of Dessau-Rosslau in Germany, a city of similar size, which contains two tram lines, 14 bus routes, including six night routes, and a commuter rail system. Maybe, instead of calling to make our city actively worse to exist in by undoing pedestrianisation and adding extra lanes of traffic - we can pressure those in power to buil…
Waterford News & Star: Letter to the Editor: Solving Waterford's traffic problems A key aspect of improving our city centre is to look at how successful cities thrive across the world Letter to the Editor: Solving Waterford's traffic problems Whether you agree or disagree with the views expressed or would like to have your own personal opinion aired in public, we’re waiting to hear from you.
What's next for the left? - Thursday 27th November 7:30pm. Public Meeting at Harbour Hotel - the docks, galway. H91E9PR Paul Murphy -PBP, Cllr Alan Curran -Soc Dems, Cllr Helen Ogbu -Labour, Mark Lohan -SF, Cllr Eibhlín Seoighthe -Independent. Chaired by John Cunningham.
A photo of Killian and 2 others holding leaflets while running a stall for the housing protest in town the other day.
A blue graphic which reads: 'Housing Protest - Saturday 1st Nov at 2pm - John Robert's Square, Waterford. This is an emergency! All out for Housing. Raise the Roof - Homes for All. Stronger Together - Congress - Irish Congress of Trade Unions
A photo of Catherine Connolly on the TV accepting her victory in the election to be the next President of Ireland
a selfie of Killian at the polling station with a sign behind which reads Ionad Vótáil - Polling Station
I am voting for Catherine Connolly for President because now more than ever, we need an independent voice for peace and inclusivity in the Áras. Our long string of independent-minded Irish Presidents speaking truth to power, like Michael D Higgins, Mary MacAleese, and Mary Robinson, has been the best aspect of our democracy in my lifetime, and it is so important to see that continue and be supercharged by Catherine Connolly. The alternative - rewarding Fine Gael with their first ever Fine Gael President in Heather Humphreys after decades of failure - especially failing our generation with housing, climate, transport, and overall quality of life - is unimaginable to me. Having a FG President who just repeats the FG Gov talking points would be a massive downgrade for our democracy and politics. I was sure of that months ago and I'm even more sure after seeing Fine Gael's toxic US-style attack adverts against Catherine Connolly, alongside attempts to 'smear the bejaysus' out of her - dirty tactics which have no place in our politics.
An image which reads: "I'm voting for Catherine Connolly"
A photo of Killian and other volunteers holding up leaflets while out canvassing for Catherine Connolly
A photo of Killian and 6 other volunteers holding up leaflets for Catherine Connolly while canvassing in Lisduggan
A photo of Killian and other canvassers holding up leaflets for Catherine Connolly while out doorknocking.
A photo of Killian and other canvassers holding leaflets of Catherine Connolly before a canvas
A photo of Killian with others holding leaflets for Catherine Connolly during a canvas
A photo of Killian and other canvassers standing outside Ballybeg Stores holding leaflets
A photo of all the canvassers standing holding Catherine Connolly leaflets, in the centre of Dungarvan
A photo of Killian and presidential candidate Catherine Connolly
photo of Killian and 3 others canvassing
a selfie of Killian, Dylan, Maolíosa, and Conor holding Catherine Connolly leaflets while out canvassing in Ballybricken.
A selfie of Killian and Dylan holding Catherine Connolly leaflets while canvassing in Poleberry
a selfie of Killian and Dylan holding up leaflets while canvassing
Photo of Killian holding a poster of Catherine Connolly for President
selfie of Killian with others holding leaflets while canvassing in Lisduggan
what is the most important factor for you when selecting considering your vote in the presidential election? Knowledge of the Constitution - 42%, Political experience - 21%, being independent - 12%, achievements in community/sporting world - 7%, building relationships with Northern Ireland - 4%, Opinion on Gaza - 3%, Political Party - 2%, Gender - 1%, Celebrity -0%.
Catherine Connolly for President. Join the movement. CatherineConnollyforPresident.ie
I've seen some posts and articles about this report, but it definitely hasn't gotten the airtime it deserves. What it reveals is absolutely shocking. In the context of a fast-growing national economy, the fact that the regional economy of the South East hasn't grown *at all* in real terms over the past 5 years is a black mark against every single person in power. Considering population growth in the region, this 0% growth actually represents a decline in GDP per capita in real terms. This is mostly driven by a lack of investment, primarily public investment (which private investment typically takes its lead from when identifying investment opportunities).
Housing Action Now! Landlords are guilty, the government is to blame. Join us on July 5th to fight for the future our communities deserve. CATU
Waterford Coalition Against Fascism: Call for Housing For All on Saturday, April 19th at 1pm - outside theatre royal, the mall.
Why Red Hat’s Actions Demand Accountability The international BDS movement has documented Red Hat’s extensive collaboration with the Israeli military, an institution directly involved in the systematic oppression and violence against Palestinian civilians. Here are some of the key reasons for this inclusion: Close Ties with the Israeli Military: Red Hat works extensively with multiple units of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Their employees are integrated into various units, and their technology is a vital part of operations targeting Palestinian civilians. Support for Mamram: Mamram, the IDF’s central computing system unit, relies on Red Hat technology to streamline data processing for all branches of the IDF. This includes facilitating operations that violate international law and contribute to the genocide of the Palestinian people. Battlefield AI Projects: Red Hat is involved in joint AI projects with the IDF’s Computer Service and Cyber Defense divisions, further advancing military capabilities used against Palestinians. Profiting from Genocide: Red Hat has not only supported these efforts but celebrated its association with Mamram by awarding it the 2022 Technological Innovation Award. This blatant complicity highlights Red Hat’s prioritization of profits over human rights. These actions connect Red Hat’s global network, including its staff and infrastructure, directly to the Israeli Ministry of Defence. Such involvement perpetuates the suffering of the Palestinian people and tarnishes the reputation of those associated with the company. Red Hat’s Links with SETU SETU’s ties to Red Hat are significant and multifaceted, encompassing academic, professional, and promotional collaborations. These include, but are not limited to: Event Sponsorship: Red Hat sponsored the Women in Tech event on the SETU campus in March 2024. Student Work Placements: SETU students regularly receive work placements with Red Hat. Community Collaboration: Red Hat employs a s…
Sign the petition calling for South East Technological University (SETU) to cut ties with Red Hat while it works with the Israeli Defence Forces
1) Invest massively in infrastructure: housing, transport, energy, water, electricity, waste. 2) Expand universal free public services: reduce costs by providing free healthcare, social care, childcare etc so people are able to spend more money in the productive economy and so that more people are available to work. 3) Strengthen worker rights & conditions: despite the mentality in Ireland/US/England, unions and strong worker protections often go hand in hand with higher productivity, with many of the most productive economies having strong unions and worker rights. The reality is, when someone likes their job, they tend to stay later and so companies maintain more embedded knowledge and productivity gains through years of upskilling. Also, when someone feels valued and respected, they are often motivated to work harder and do more.
photo of a protest with people holding a sign which reads "From Ukraine to Palestine Occupation is a Crime"
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
A map of the public transport network for Dessau-Roßlau, with 2 tramlines and 16 bus routes including night busses.
Key points: •We have a great diversity of outdoor activities, with a long coastline, a large section of the Suir, and access to mountains. •Recent big improvements in walking and biking trails, including the Anne Valley Walk near the Dunmore Road and the Greenway. •Great diversity of outdoor groups around the county. •Not enough rural transport or safe segregated cycle paths to encourage outdoor activity. •Lack of public provision for toilets and bins. •Bad water pollution in the Suir and on beaches along the coast. •Lack of of right of way and right to roam limiting access to natural and built heritage across the county. •Opportunity to focus more on other amenities such as the Knockmealdown Mountains and city trails (instead of just the Greenway). •Opportunity to build a public lido/swimming area in the city, along the banks of the Suir. •Opportunity for the council to build a central information resource with the list of activities and outdoor groups in the county.
A painting of a shipreck in a storm
A painting of a thatch roofs being ripped off old Irish houses during a storm
A photo of Killian cutting down a poster.
A photo of Killian and his friends at the Palestinian demonstration.
A photo of people watching the count taking place in a large hall
A photo of Killian putting his vote in the ballotbox.
A blue background with text which says "Vote" 3 times and "swipe for an example ballot" with an arrow.
A photo of Killian speaking to a crowd at a Gather for Palestine demonstration in SETU.