Louth councillors vote to maintain Ireland’s Triple Lock in council motion

Louth Neutrality Network (LNN) has welcomed the decision of Louth County Council to pass a motion calling on the Government to maintain the Triple Lock mechanism safeguarding Ireland’s neutrality.

The motion, debated at the Council meeting on Monday (15th September), received strong backing from councillors. It comes amid debate over Government moves to dismantle the Triple Lock, which ensures that any overseas deployment of Irish troops requires the approval of the Government, the Dáil, and a United Nations mandate.

Over the past month, LNN has run information stands in Drogheda, Dundalk, and Blackrock, engaging directly with local communities about changes to Ireland’s neutrality. The group say the message from the public has been clear and consistent: “the people of Louth value Irish neutrality and do not want the Government to abolish the Triple Lock.”

According to LNN this was further underlined in an open letter compiled by the group, signed by over 1,100 constituents across the county. The letter stressed that “the Triple Lock is both a vital safeguard and a solemn commitment given to the Irish people during the Nice and Lisbon Treaty referendums.”

A spokesperson for Louth Neutrality Network said: "We are delighted that Louth County Council has voted to defend the Triple Lock. This decision reflects the clear views we have heard from people across Louth who want Ireland’s neutrality protected. 

“We warmly thank the councillors who supported this motion, and we are proud that Louth has now joined the growing number of local authorities across Ireland standing up for neutrality and democratic accountability."

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Councillor Antóin Watters (SF) who proposed the motion also welcomed its passage and said that it would now be sent to the Department of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, and the Minister for Defence. “Ireland is proud of our long tradition of neutrality, and the motion affirms that any attempt to change that must go to the people in a referendum. 

“The level of public engagement on this issue, with so many contacting councillors and over 1,100 signatures gathered by the Louth Neutrality Network, shows just how much people care. I want to commend LNN for their efforts in giving voice to the community.”