Youth Conference held in Wexford

By Dan Walsh

Over 100 young people from schools and youth groups attended the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference last Thursday at County Hall, Wexford.

The annual Youth Conference gives young people in County Wexford a platform to highlight local issues and work with Comhairle na nÓg on solutions.

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Joe Sullivan and Cllr. Patricia Byrne both addressed the event and gave the young people the opportunity to understand the weight and value of their opinions as members of Comhairle na nÓg.

Cllr Sullivan said; “As Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council I am delighted to support this continued partnership with Comhairle na nÓg which has gone from strength to strength. We encourage young people’s views and take them on board when developing policies for the betterment of the lives of all the citizens of County Wexford.”

New representatives have joined the Wexford Comhairle na nÓg and will represent County Wexford youth for 2025–2026. This group will assess the issues raised at the Youth Conference, consider possible solutions, and promote ways for decision makers to include youth perspectives in shaping society.

Avril O’Sullivan, Comhairle na nÓg Co-Ordinator said; “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people with local and national opportunities to have youth voices included in the design and delivery of policies, strategies and services. Young people volunteer their time, effort and skills to make meaningful change.

“Wexford Comhairle na nÓg are currently working on the issue of youth health and are making efforts to achieve positive change in a complex area. Through their participation in Comhairle the young people form new friendships, enhance their teamwork, communication, public speaking and research skills, and of course, have fun,” added Ms. O’Sullivan.

Director of Services for Wexford County Council, Carolyne Godkin said; “Comhairle na nÓg is the recognised structure for participation by children and young people in local decision making across all 31 local authorities of the country.

“The structure allows young people to identify and progress topics of importance to them; fosters political interest and importantly helps deliver a youth-led change process to improve the lives of young people in the County,” added Ms Godkin.