Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the country’s 31 local authorities. They are designed to enable young people to make their views known on services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area. Comhairle na nÓg provides a forum for young people aged 12-17 to identify and work on issues of importance to them before working with key local decisions-makers in a bid to achieve their desired outcome, impact or change. Offaly Comhairle na nÓg has 30 members from across the county, who meet at least once per month and represent Offaly at National Consultations and events such as Dáil na nÓg.
Check out the Offaly Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference Summary Report. The event took place on the 17th of October with over 100 attendees from across the county. It was a day filled with fun, workshops and most importantly it was a space for young people to raise issues of importance to them. At this year’s event, we had a Graphic Recorder, Gary Dempsey, present. Within the report you will find his depictions of the day’s workshops and their outcomes. It is hoped that this makes the report more accessible and fun to read!
Within the report you will find what the key issues of concern are for those aged 12-17 in Offaly. At this year’s event, attendee’s voted on which topic Offaly Comhairle na nÓg should focus on in 2024. Mental Health was chosen. In January 2024, the group will form a work action plan on how to best proceed with this topic and decide upon what change they would like to see in Offaly.
If you would like to further consult with Offaly Comhairle na nÓg to include the youth voice in your planning of policies and services or if you’d like to be part of the group, please make contact with us! Let’s work together to ensure Youth Participation in Offaly.
If you’d like to get involved with Offaly Comhairle na nÓg please contact:
Hazel Daly
Coordinator Offaly Comhairle na nÓg
087 700 2521
hdaly@offalyldc.ie
