Hundreds of Climate Change protesters have raced kayaks down a Dublin city centre street as part of the Extinction Rebellion protests.
The demonstrators made their way from Westmoreland Street to O’Connell Bridge before performing a ‘boat race’ with three kayaks on Westmoreland Street.
The kayaks were decorated with climate crisis messages and carried passengers ‘rowing for their lives.’
Meanwhile, ‘land swimmers’ dressed in swimming costumes were swimming alongside the boats.
The protesters warned that boating in the streets will become a reality if emergency action is not taken to combat climate change.
We just raced kayaks down Westmoreland street! 💚
This will become reality if we don't take urgent action to stop the #ClimateCrisis #ExtinctionRebellion pic.twitter.com/pF7cWJIAV5
— Extinction Rebellion Ireland (@ExtinctRebelsIE) October 12, 2019
Extinction Rebellion coordinator Manuel Salazar said today marks ‘family day’ in the group’s global week of action.
“We had a lot kids involved and it was great,” he said.
Extinction Rebellion protesters in Dublin. Image: Stephen Bourke/NewstalkHe said the protesters will remain at their base in Merion Square until Sunday with further protests planned in the coming weeks.
“From now in it is all about keeping the pressure on the Government and those corporations that are polluting the environment,” he said.
“The message for the Government is to act now, tell the truth and take the message of climate change very seriously.”
"Sea levels rising, so are we!"
The latest science shows sea level rise is accelerating.
40% Of Ireland population lives within 5km of the sea.We need #ClimateAction now!#ExtinctionRebellion pic.twitter.com/ywtVpp9Q3Z
— Extinction Rebellion Ireland (@ExtinctRebelsIE) October 12, 2019
He said the crisis has now hit the point where our “house is on fire.”
“We have to break some windows to save those inside,” he said.
“That is what we are doing; we are breaking some windows to save as many people as we can.
“The Government needs to take serious steps on this.”
The demonstrators are due to end their occupation of Merrion Square tomorrow.
