Greta Thunberg and Duncan Stewart have officially been awarded the Freedom of Dublin.
The environmental campaigners were honoured at a ceremony at the Mansion House.
Thunberg wasn't in attendance, so young climate activists Jessica Dunne and Sumaya Ahmed spoke on her behalf.
Mr Stewart thanked the Lord Mayor for the award and said he was proud to receive the same award as Ms Thunberg.
"When I see Greta Thunberg also on the platform I feel very proud because I have such great admiration for her and all the incredible work she’s doing for our young generation," he said.
Duncan Stewart has arrived at the Mansion House to collect the Freedom of the City from @LordMayorDublin!! pic.twitter.com/7QzhLp8geK
— Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) June 21, 2023
Some have criticised the award, describing it as an attempt to ‘greenwash’ Dublin and distract from the Government’s previous record on climate policies.
Councillor Nial Ring said the nomination of Thunberg by the Lord Mayor came from “the Green Party hierarchy rather from Lord Mayor Conroy herself”.
The Freedom of the City of Dublin awards largely symbolic freedoms to the recipients, including the right to graze sheep on College Green and St Stephen’s Green.
Over 80 people have previously received the award, including former President Eamon de Valera, housing activist Father Peter McVerry and Olympian Kellie Harrington.
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