Ciarán Ferrie

Architecture, urbanism and sustainable transport... and politics, everything is political.

Galwegian living in Dublin, Ireland

Profile pic: me and Peggy Seeger, January 2025

Header image: A photo of a street surface with the words "Ici, les pietons sont prioritaires" painted on it (Here, pedestrians have priority) which was taken in Nantes, France.

Janey Godley was right.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ccferrie
Website: http://www.cfarchitects.ie/#
Pronouns: He/Him
Languages: English, agus beagán Gaeilge

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npub1ah2chrjcaf4kuue5z8qhvh5rcta9kra04svev7gw85k0rsllvgjql8ej3m

NIP-05 Address

[email protected]

Profile Code

nprofile1qqswm4vt3evw56mwwv6prstkt6pu97jmp7h6cxvk0y8r6t83c0lkyfqpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsc2uute

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relay.damus.io

nos.lol

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npub1ah2chrjcaf4kuue5z8qhvh5rcta9kra04svev7gw85k0rsllvgjql8ej3m

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Last Notes

2026-08-05 23:35:28 CEST

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Or Terry Pratchett in the Night Watch:
"Don't put your trust in revolutions. They always come around again. That's why they're called revolutions."

2026-08-05 23:33:35 CEST

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Rod Steiger's line in A Fistful of Dynamite sums it up
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/117/045/037/500/973/577/original/450d0fd00b9c9f1f.png

2026-07-04 10:24:18 CEST

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On that last point, Jane Goodall's attitude offers some hope.
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/860/728/518/539/042/original/cc4f6f8b9bfa9ec4.png

2026-07-01 17:17:52 CEST

Thanks to @npub1ran…dnlr I've discovered the Explore.org live puffin ledge cam on Seal Island, Maine, which, to my great delight, includes audio.
I'm sitting here at my desk with the sound of the sea, the wind and puffins in my ears.
https://explore.org/livecams/puffins/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/845/382/334/044/314/original/e1fb6ffd9bafc5d5.png

2026-07-01 08:54:49 CEST

RTÉ, to be fair to them, getting it right with their categorisation of the news that the Dáil has passed the Bill to lift the Dublin Airport passenger cap.
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/843/394/315/839/263/original/1543fa17c4e5b2c1.jpg

2026-06-16 16:39:34 CEST

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So now, there is land being "unlocked" all over the country for new housing by the construction of lots of new roads. This will make a lot of money for the landowners but will lock the new residents of this housing into car-dependency and long commute times for generations to come.
It will also increase traffic congestion in the towns and cities where the roads are being built and therefore have knock on implications for existing residents.
But still we continue to elect these politicians.

2026-06-16 16:36:06 CEST

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...This initiative even progressed to the preparation of the Land (Zoning Value Sharing) Bill 2024 which proposed a 25% tax on land that is rezoned for housing.
As soon as the new government took office in January 2025 the property industry lobbied hard for them to drop the proposals, which of course they did as they no longer had to answer to the Greens and instead were being supported by a rag tag group of independents who are of the same gene pool as themselves...

2026-06-16 16:28:48 CEST

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Of course the report was never implemented - why would it be when the two political parties that have run the country for the entirety of its existence are stacked full of landowners who would benefit more from allowing land prices to increase unchecked.
Fast forward 48 years to 2021, and with the Greens in government, the Housing for All plan promised a system of Land Value Sharing which would ensure that the state secured a proportion of the increase in market value of rezoned land...

2026-06-16 16:23:54 CEST

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A bit of history. Back in 1973 the Committee on the Price of Building Land chaired by High Court Judge, Mr Justice John Kenny, published a report, known as The Kenny Report, that recommended that local authorities be given the power to buy development land using a CPO at its existing value plus 25%.
It was a response to rising land prices and the difficulty in developing strategic infrastructure and was seen as a compromise between the rights of the community and the rights of landowners...

2026-06-16 16:18:44 CEST

Government politicians are falling over themselves in the rush to announce new road building that we are told will "unlock land for housing".
I've seen announcements today for new roads projects in Athlone, Meath, Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, Wexford , Tipperary and Limerick, all with the same promise.
Landowners the length and breadth of the country are rubbing their hands in anticipation of the increase in value of their lands. And of course the government isn't going to tax that uplift.
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/760/171/795/086/536/original/aee77c2c76b19e48.png
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/760/173/244/475/638/original/beecae8cac97270c.png
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/760/174/301/947/399/original/04279c953dc1d562.png
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/760/175/872/307/710/original/96f7816a00c89b69.png

2026-06-15 11:05:44 CEST

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Wow, I would have guessed 1970s (all the beige and orange!)

2026-06-05 08:20:54 CEST

"Building a more equitable world while respecting planetary limits is possible. To achieve this, targeted reductions in consumption in specific sectors, a drastic cut in fossil fuel use and changes in dietary habits will be necessary."
Thomas Piketty's lab proposes ambitious plan to cut global inequality and curb climate change
https://archive.fo/YtWsq
Hook this to my veins!

2026-05-31 16:26:25 CEST

#SilentSunday
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/669/646/793/811/665/original/60c11b845df53cb3.jpg

2026-05-07 16:57:25 CEST

Why do Sinn Féin hate people who cycle? I cycled to every one of my radiotherapy sessions when I was being treated for cancer and I've cycled, and will continue to cycle, to my regular post-treatment check ups. Sheltered, secure cycle parking is not a luxury or an extravagance. It's a necessity.
RTE news : €127k bike shed at Kerry hospital a 'pure waste' - SF
http://www.rte.ie/news/politics/2026/0507/1572156-dail-leaders-questions/

2026-04-23 09:57:10 CEST

The human cost of the insistence on continuing to pursue the Galway City Ring Road project.
https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/we-want-to-be-able-to-move-on-with-our-lives-galway-ring-road-families-whose-homes-face-demolition-7180813

2026-04-16 22:59:18 CEST

https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/416/383/996/959/854/original/ee861054d7371634.jpg

2026-04-15 09:53:26 CEST

"Ireland found a way to be rich without ever needing to develop itself, believing that “tax revenue” meant “prosperity”. The farmers on O’Connell Bridge and the nurse emigrating to Melbourne are both living inside the consequences."
A must read from Sinéad O’Sullivan
https://www.butthistime.com/p/mind-the-gap

2026-04-12 21:35:11 CEST

Orbán is gone!
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2d8zw2d3rkt

2026-04-11 08:54:56 CEST

“Building more roads in a world on fire is truly an act of insanity” – Irish Doctors for Environment verdict on Galway Ring Road
https://www.connachttribune.ie/news/an-act-of-insanity-irish-doctors-for-environment-verdict-on-galway-ring-road-6569919

2026-04-08 22:16:01 CEST

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Yes, the protests have been orchestrated by anti-immigrant far right elements who are exploiting the dissatisfaction felt by those who are hit hardest by the fuel price increases. AFAIK the IRHA, IFA and other groups have distanced themselves from the protests.

2026-03-09 08:30:21 CET

"When will we declare Ireland’s road-death toll the public health crisis it is?"
https://archive.fo/yvgIL

2026-03-08 20:49:33 CET

President Connolly speaking the truth that Micheál Martin couldn't bring himself to speak.
RTE news : Middle East conflict is 'assault on international law'
http://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0308/1562247-ireland-middle-east/

2026-03-08 13:24:32 CET

On International Women's Day, a reminder that investment in sustainable transport is an equality issue. A transport system that assumes car ownership and doesn't provide safe and accessible alternatives is an unequal system.
1/3

2026-03-03 11:14:55 CET

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Oh, I know the answer, I just want to hear them say it, preferably from the dock in the Hague

2026-03-03 09:49:31 CET

RE: https://journa.host/@fulelo/116164120344307374
I want European leaders, especially those who continue to stand by Israel, to explain to me how this is in any way different to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
#note1w9x…8nyn

2026-03-01 16:49:31 CET

#SilentSunday
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/154/698/780/374/995/original/3309f2c780dee6af.jpg

2026-02-28 23:04:03 CET

Trump: "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we are doing this not for now, we are doing this for the future and it is a noble mission."
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/150/500/783/879/343/original/3b631b3ab58e5933.mp4

2026-02-12 23:17:14 CET

So let me get this straight, the IOC is against a competitor wearing a helmet that commemorates those who died fighting against fascism, but is fine with selling Nazi memorabilia? 🤔
Olympic body criticised for selling Nazi-era Games T-shirt
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv8zwxwp2eo
'Shocking' or correct - why Ukrainian skeleton slider was banned
https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cx2dnd7g209o
#WinterOlympics

2026-02-07 11:53:54 CET

"Cyclists are forced to dress like construction workers as cars speed past with impunity
The Government’s approach to cycling safety is fundamentally flawed"
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/116/028/971/171/222/229/original/1e8d8f3a3054d8e6.jpg

2026-02-01 14:40:58 CET

Anois teacht an Earraigh #LaLeBríde #Imbolc
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/115/995/645/396/786/782/original/be5fdf5b3716862c.jpg

2026-01-31 08:55:27 CET

Surely it's not STILL January?! 🥺

2026-01-26 09:19:06 CET

This is what happens when economists write about transport. Former Harvard business economist, Sinead O'Sullivan in the Irish Times today has just invented Bus Connects! @npub1mwl…zp43
https://archive.fo/VaG98
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/115/960/412/721/848/892/original/7b9bfecddc30de4c.jpeg

2026-01-17 15:43:42 CET

Mastodon got a mention on RTÉ Radio 1 earlier in a panel discussion about X/Grok. Good to hear it being discussed as an alternative, with specific mention of no ads, no algorithm as an advantage. .

2026-01-17 11:58:39 CET

I'm probably very late to this but I've just discovered this website that gives a range of European alternatives to digital products.
I came across it when looking for an alternative to Dropbox which my business is probably over-reliant on.
https://european-alternatives.eu/

2026-01-07 10:38:03 CET

I'm finding it harder to avoid the conclusion that we are heading towards another World War. The parallels with 1938 are frightening with Greenland as the Sudetenland and who knows, perhaps Canada as Poland.
European leaders are repeating the failed policy of appeasement that emboldened Hitler, do they really think it will be different with Trump?

2026-01-03 11:09:46 CET

If the EU doesn't respond strongly to Trump's anschluss of Venezuela, Greenland will be next.

2025-12-27 18:50:51 CET

The days may be short this time of year in Galway but they finish with a flourish!
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/115/792/789/705/525/357/original/ead15c2311cb6f91.jpg

2025-12-10 21:42:08 CET

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Good rationale here from some of the European countries that abstained. Several reasons, not least of which was that the motion was co-sponsored by Russia, even as they themselves are engaged in colonialism. Action on existing resolutions is needed, not meaningless duplication of empty promises. https://un.mfa.ee/group-eov-on-4c-resolution-international-day-against-colonialism-in-all-its-forms-and-manifestations/

2025-11-05 08:23:37 CET

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Democratic socialism educated my children, cured my cancer, and kept me off the breadline when the banks tanked the economy. I'll take it any day over neoliberal capitalism.

2025-10-15 08:54:21 CEST

I have been giving blood for years but am no longer allowed to do so for health reasons.
Blood reserves in Ireland are critically low right now. Please consider donating blood, if you are eligible, it costs you nothing except your time and you will be saving lives.
You can check eligibility and book an appointment at: https://www.giveblood.ie/
Eligibility rules are always changing so please check if even you think you may not be eligible.
#GiveBlood

2025-09-21 09:42:57 CEST

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The arming of Israel by Germany, Italy, France and the Netherlands makes a mockery of the ideals of the European Union

2025-09-17 19:48:25 CEST

We've allowed flying to become ridiculously cheap, and housing to become ridiculously expensive and it's locking our youth into unsustainable lifestyles, and destroying the climate for future generations.
https://www.rte.ie/news/2025/0917/1533842-accommodation-students/

2025-07-29 18:25:54 CEST

Using recognition of the State of Palestine as a bargaining chip is pretty reprehensible. You either believe the State has validity or you don't, its validity can't be conditional on another state's actions.
RTE news : UK to recognise Palestine unless Israel meets conditions
http://www.rte.ie/news/world/2025/0729/1525999-uk-palestine/

2025-07-25 11:39:22 CEST

If you have a UK postcode you can use you can sign this petition against the British Open Golf Championship being held at Trump's golf course
https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/no-golf-open-at-trump-s-scotland-course

2025-07-23 10:05:20 CEST

Setting aside the oxymoron of an "environmentally sustainable airline", is there anything more unsustainable in aviation than an "All You Can Fly" deal?
#Aviation #ClimateEmergency
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/114/901/497/885/722/392/original/a8b4f00b249b01d2.png

2025-06-25 00:33:16 CEST

"Capitalism is incompatible with any kind of human flourishing on this planet"
https://archive.fo/Wu1PS

2025-06-13 21:56:23 CEST

Just as Putin's invasion of Ukraine was a direct consequence of the international community ignoring his annexing of half of Georgia, so Israel's attacks on Iran are a direct consequence of the international community ignoring the genocide in Gaza, the illegal occupation of the West Bank, the incursions in Syria and the attacks in Lebanon.
As long as they continue to face no consequences for their actions they will continue to widen their attacks.

2025-06-06 14:53:30 CEST

Alien v Predator :chefkiss:
https://mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p/alien-vs-predator

2025-06-03 12:35:24 CEST

“We’re talking about nearly half the tree of life disappearing in one human lifetime. That is absolutely catastrophic.”
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/03/climate-species-collapse-ecology-insects-nature-reserves-aoe?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

2024-09-06 10:24:07 CEST

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Until we accept the fact that we can't decouple economic growth from emissions we are not going to achieve our climate targets.
We need a new economic paradigm that is sustainable both economically and environmentally.
We need to be listening to people like Kate Raworth and Jason Hickel and abandon the folly of thinking that technology can save us. Infinite growth on a finite planet is an idiotic strategy.

2024-09-06 10:13:25 CEST

"Ireland has a target of reaching 80 per cent renewables on the electricity grid by 2030, but the new data shows that progress has effectively stalled over the last four years.
The SEAI confirmed this was primarily down to power demand growth, and that “practically all” of that growth had come from data centres.
Electricity demand is increasing faster than the pace at which renewable generation is being added."
https://archive.fo/toJJC
#ClimateEmergency

2024-09-05 11:09:28 CEST

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Arising from these incidents, there is a demonstration planned at the property this Saturday to highlight An Garda Síochána's failure to prevent racist motivated attacks on homeless refugees and their facilitation of illegal evictions in Dublin city centre.
#Mastodaoine
https://cdn.masto.host/mastodonie/media_attachments/files/113/084/143/247/625/187/original/11f6e18ac6010b0a.jpg

2024-09-05 10:07:53 CEST

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The attackers were unmasked and there is lots of video footage of the incident where several of them are clearly identifiable as known far right activists.
The Gardaí were present but no arrests were made.
4/4

2024-09-05 10:07:40 CEST

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Video footage of the operation was spread widely on social media, especially by far right accounts. On Saturday, while the march for Palestine was taking place, fascist thugs turned up at the property with sticks and hammers and attacked the residents. A fire extinguisher was also used as a weapon. Two of the residents were hospitalised, one requiring 18 stitches to his head.
3/n

2024-09-05 10:07:18 CEST

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On Friday night the landlord, Colm Wu, sent in a gang of heavies to forcibly remove the residents. The residents resisted and the Gardaí turned up with the Armed Support Unit and the Public Order Unit. One asylum seeker was arrested.
2/n

2024-09-05 10:06:50 CEST

There's an article in the Irish Times today about two incidents at a house on Ormond Quay in Dublin City Centre over the weekend. The article is, in my view, unnecessarily circumspect but here's what I know about the incidents.
Over the summer, housing activists occupied a vacant building on Ormond Quay and have been squatting there for the last month or two. They have provided shelter there to people seeking International Protection who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.
1/n

2024-09-04 13:58:09 CEST

Right wing conservative politicians like to talk about "slashing red tape" to make running a business easier.
#Grenfell is a direct consequence of that.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/sep/04/grenfell-report-blames-decades-of-government-failure-and-companies-systematic-dishonesty
We regulate things for a reason. When we ignore or remove that regulation, bad stuff happens.
In Ireland we rely very heavily on British Standards and the British Board of Agrément in our construction sector. We should be very concerned about these findings.

2024-08-14 17:10:38 CEST

Just cancelled my subscription to the Business Post.
Their willingness to publish every inanity that comes out of Michael O'Leary's mouth would have been enough but the recent opinion piece by Ian Guider on the Dublin Transport Plan was the final straw.
It is an error-ridden, badly written, poorly researched, and irresponsible piece of journalism that only adds to the growing pile of misinformation about the plan.
I'm not going to fund that rubbish.

2024-08-06 23:43:51 CEST

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I'm just happy she didn't pick the guy who interned with the IDF