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Ballhea protest group in Sligo today

Sligo councillor Declan Bree has called for support for the Ballyhea-Charville bondholder protest group who will be visiting Sligo this afternoon (Saturday 27th Oct) as part of a Western tour of the country.

The Co Cork group has been holding weekly protests since February 2011 against the bailout of bondholders following the recapitalisation of Ireland’s banking system. The protest, which has been continuing for 86 weeks, has also taken place outside the European Central Bank in Frankfurt and the group are now bringing the march to counties along the western seaboard.

Participants in the Sligo event will gather at the southern end of O’Connell Street at 2.30.p.m. today (Saturday) and march to the GPO for a 3.00.p.m. Protest Meeting.

Speaking to SligoToday.ie, Cllr Bree said “The Ballyhea group is composed of ordinary people who Sunday after Sunday take their families and friends into the streets of Ballyhea and Charleville to protest against the injustice of the bank bailout.

"This year alone, nearly €20 billion is being handed over to bondholders, next year it will be €17 billion. This is why the Government is imposing austerity budgets, this is why home help hours are being cut back, this is why our health service is being undermined, and this is why young people are being forced into emigration. It is also the reason why our economy is not developing and unemployment is continuing to rise.

“Those involved in the Ballyhea group have been an inspiration to people the length and breadth of the country. They deserve a hearty welcome when they arrive in Sligo.” said Cllr Bree.