Greta Thunberg has accepted a nomination for the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin

The Swedish climate activist was nominated for the honour by Lord Mayor Caroline Conroy and will join an illustrious list of Freemen and Freewoman should the council approve the nomination.

The Lord Mayor said Thunberg accepted the nomination last night and will be nominated alongside Irish environmentalist Duncan Stewart.

Climate

“Greta has been a significant presence on the international stage, particularly in rallying young people to the climate challenge.

“I am a huge admirer of both Duncan and Greta. They are absolutely passionate about raising awareness of this huge issue.

“Our city has never before used this award to celebrate the role of environmental activists. We must recognise the incredible work done across generations to protect our shared city and planet.”

Climate activist Greta Thunberg speaks to the press outside the US Capitol in Washington DC, 17-09-2019. Image: Reynolds Stefani/CNP/ABACA/ABACA/PA Images

Friends of the Earth spokesman Oisín Coughlan told Newstalk he hopes she will come to personally receive the award, even though she doesn't fly.

“She went to New York by boat for a big UN summit and she has been to other UN summits so I know she has a very busy schedule and I don’t know when this event would be but I would be hopeful that she would see it as an opportunity to come overland to Ireland as part of whatever her itinerary is at the time,” he said.

Freedom

Should the nominations be approved at the next monthly meeting of Dublin City Council on June 12th, Thunberg and Stewart will join the likes of John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, former Dublin manager Jim Gavin, boxer Kellie Harrington and campaigner Ailbhe Smyth on the list.

Historically those awarded the freedom of the city were expected to ready to defend the city from attack and join the city militia at short notice.

Their privileges include the right to bring goods through the city gates without paying customs and the right to pasture sheep on common ground with the city boundaries.