Celbridge Councillor Calls For Unauthorised Flags With Alleged Far-Right Links To Be Taken Down

Wednesday, 15 January 2025 12:25

By Martin Osborne

Labour cllr. Rupert Heather successfully lobbied for the removal of a so-called 'Four Provinces' flag in Celbridge after a constituent raised its alleged association with anti-asylum seeker demonstrations.

A Celbridge councillor has called for action to regulate the display of "unauthorised" flags across the county, following concerns over their alleged links to far-right protests.

Labour Cllr Rupert Heather successfully lobbied for the removal of a so-called 'Four Provinces' flag in Celbridge after a constituent raised its alleged association with anti-asylum seeker demonstrations.

Speaking to Kfm, he said: "A constituent informed me that the flag was tied to far-right protests. After investigating, I reported it, and the flag in Celbridge was removed."

The issue extends beyond Celbridge.

Similar flags have been reported in Naas, other Kildare towns, and along major roads and high streets nationwide.

To address the problem, Cllr. Heather submitted a motion urging Kildare County Council to tackle the proliferation of unauthorised flags on a county-wide scale.

However, the council has stated that the matter falls under planning regulations and that a comprehensive removal would be overly complex.

"These are not official flags," Cllr. Heather stressed.

"Ireland has authorised national symbols, and we must establish clear standards for what can and cannot be displayed."

He also raised concerns about the divisive implications of the flags, emphasising the importance of inclusivity and respect for Ireland’s recognised emblems.

"Patriotism is not the issue here. I support a patriotic Ireland, but this isn’t about pride in our nation. It’s about individuals placing symbols wherever they choose," Cllr. Heather explained. "We must embrace a broader sense of inclusion and unity."

He said Kildare County Council must "take a stand" and provide clearer guidelines to address the issue.

More from Local News

Call For Sanitary Bins In Men’s Toilets To Support Prostate Cancer Survivors

Audio

Each year, around 4000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with the disease, with research from PHS and the Irish Cancer Society finding more than half of men with incontinence feel anxious because of poor toilet facilities.
Own-Brand Foods Often Produced By Same Factories As Big Labels, Says Money Doctor John Lowe

Choosing own-brand products can also save money, with Lowe noting that many supermarket labels are produced by the same manufacturers as well-known brands.
Kfm Strengthens Position As Kildare’s Most Listened-To Station, According To Latest Ipsos/MRBI Report

Kfm CEO Clem Ryan said: “This latest research is a major reflection of the power of local radio, which showcases local issues , and where advertisers reach their target customers in real time."
Quarter Of Uisce Éireann Staff Earned Over €100k Last Year

Audio

Officials from Uisce Eireann are appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, outlining the company’s financial statements for 2024.
Meath Bird Flu Case Prompts Warning, But Chicken And Turkey Safe To Eat, Says Agriculture Minister

Audio

After confirmed cases in Carlow and Cork, the Department of Agriculture is imposing a mandatory order for all poultry and captive birds to be kept indoors from next Monday.
One-Month Road Closure In Catherinestown To Start Next Week To Facilitate Maynooth Pipeline Works

The road will shut from the junction with the L5050 at Catherinstown to the L1015 at Kellystown from November 10th to December 6th.
Commuter Chaos On M7/N7 Renews Calls For Standby Emergency Response Team During Morning Gridlock

Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers said he would ask Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Minister Of Transport to better resource the response to certain incidents.
Thousands Of Workers Could Get Tax Back In Time For Christmas, Says Financial Advisor

People can also claim on GP visits, prescriptions and rent - along with flat rate expenses for certain professions.