Motion on Protecting Neutrality-Waterford Council

Motion on Protecting Irish Neutrality coming before Waterford Councillors this Thursday, 15th Jan 2026  at Waterford City and County Council monthly meeting at 2pm.

The motion was put forward following an important public meeting of The Neutrality Roadshow in Waterford in October 2025 on the threat to Irish neutrality if the government dismantles the Triple Lock. The event, hosted by Neutrality Now, in partnership with the Ireland–Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) South East branch and the Waterford Council of Trade Unions, explored how ending the Triple Lock could allow Irish troops to join EU or NATO-led wars — ending decades of peacekeeping tradition.

A spokesperson for the IPSC South East branch said:

“Ireland’s neutrality has always been about our independence and standing up for fairness, rather than lining up behind big military powers. That same mindset is why so many people here feel solidarity with Palestine — it comes from a belief in human rights, self-determination, opposition to occupation, and protecting ordinary people caught up in conflict. By protecting our neutrality, Ireland keeps the freedom to call out injustice wherever it happens, including in Palestine, without being tied to military or political agendas. In that way, neutrality and solidarity go hand in hand.

“We urge Waterford Councillors to vote with their conscience and to support the motion. We have seen cross party support in other councils, including from Government party Councillors in Fianna Fåil and Fine Gael. Families in Waterford don’t want our Government to send our children to die in wars that don’t concern us – no one wants to have that blood on their hands.”

Motion wording:

This Council expresses its dismay at and opposition to the government’s intention to abolish the Triple Lock, which governs the deployment of Irish Defence Forces personnel overseas.

The Triple Lock has ensured that Ireland’s participation in overseas missions (with more than 12 defence personnel) would always require approval from: 1. the Cabinet 2. Dáil Éireann and 3. that the mission they are being deployed on would have a UN mandate either from the Security Council or the General Assembly.

In 2001, the Irish people rejected the Nice Treaty over concerns that it would drag Ireland into EU military structures that would threaten our neutrality.  To get the electorate to approve the EU Treaty, the government with the agreement of the other EU Member States, through a “solemn declaration” introduced the Triple Lock.  This Declaration was reiterated following initial rejection of the subsequent Lisbon Treaty.

Therefore, this Council rejects government’s plans to abolish or amend the Triple Lock, considering the proposal signifies a breach of trust with the Irish electorate and a serious diminution of Irish neutrality.