A climate action group has attacked parked cars in south Dublin – slashing people’s tyres and leaving notes warning, “your gas guzzler kills”.
Junior Minister Neale Richmond has been contacted by a number of constituents whose cars were targeted overnight.
He said the matter has now been reported to Gardaí.
“This thuggery is unacceptable,” he wrote in an online post.
“I’m hopeful the investigation can put a stop to this carry-on but be vigilant.”
I’ve had calls from constituents who last night had their tyres slashed in Churchtown by a supposed climate action group.
It’s now with the local Gardaí.
This thuggery is unacceptable, I’m hopeful the investigation can put a stop to this carry on but be vigilant. pic.twitter.com/NnQUFSGUpu
— Neale Richmond (@nealerichmond) June 14, 2023
The group left notes for the car owners, insisting: “You’ll be angry, but don’t take it personally. It’s not you. It’s your car.”
“We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others.”
The group notes that SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) and 4X4s “are a disaster for our climate”, claiming that SUVs are “the second-largest cause of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade – more than the entire aviation industry”.
The notes were left by a group calling itself The Tyre Extinguishers.
The international group has carried out similar attacks in countries around the world in recent years – reportedly attacking thousands of SUVs in Europe, the US and New Zealand.
Similar attacks were also reported in Ireland in March and at the end of last year.
"Absolutely ridiculous"
Junior Minister Richmond told Newstalk that Gardaí are now investigating.
I think this behaviour is absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
“It is no way to get people onside but crucially it is illegal.
“You’re trespassing on someone’s private property. You are damaging and vandalising private property to make a political point.
“It is no way to get people behind the climate agenda and it is one way to annoy and discommode a lot of people.
“In fact, it has already been reported to the Gardaí and it is the subject of a criminal investigation.”
Gas guzzlers
The group notes that SUVS pollute more than smaller cars, are more likely to kill pedestrians and claims that SUV drivers are “more likely to take risks on the road.
“That’s why we have taken this action,” they said.
“You will have no difficulty getting around without your gas guzzler, with walking, cycling or public transport.”
It also noted that hybrid or electric cars are “still polluting, dangerous and cause congestion”.
With reporting from Tom Douglas.
