Thousands of students in Waterford and across the country are expected to walk out of their classes as part of a climate strike today.
It is the third climate strike.
In Waterford, the rally starts in John Roberts Square at noon before marching to City Hall where young students will address the crowd.
There will also be a gathering at the Tramore beach lifeguard hut at noon, where the risk of rising sea levels will be highlighted.
Ireland South MEP, Grace O'Sullivan, who is joining the protest in Waterford today, says the strikes are having an impact.
"I can tell you in the European Commission, the Commissioners are listening, it is really one of areas top of the agenda because the way we are currently living is unsustainable," she said.
Today is the day. There are strikes for climate action all over the country. Please support this global action to wake up the powers-that-be . Take Action to Create Action. I'll be in Waterford at John Robert Square from noon #ClimateStrikes pic.twitter.com/oEpXsmE0kn
— Grace O'Sullivan MEP (@GraceOSllvn) September 20, 2019
Minister for Climate Action, Richard Bruton says he has heard the voices of students as he travels to the UN climate summit today.
He says to date, the government has failed:
"They are a constant reminder to governments that governments must lead this change.
"There has been a lack of commitment in the past in our own case in Ireland, although we made commitments to deliver a 20% reduction (in carbon emissions). We have failed to achieve that."
