South Dublin Comhairle na nÓg AGM
Mayor Caitriona Jones and Chris Kane, Chair of Comhairle na nÓg opened South Dublin Comhairle na nÓg AGM on Wednesday 26th October 2011 in Tallaght Stadium. The AGM was also addressed by Joe Horan, County Manager, Shane Martin, Moodwatchers and Debbie Scales introduced the Jigsaw Programme,
Over 70 Young people from the County aged between 12 and 18 Years descended on Tallaght Stadium to listen, get involved in discussion groups with feedback to South Dublin Comhairle on issues affecting young people living in the County.
This event organised by South Dublin County Council in partnership with Catholic Youth Care and Foroige and the present Comhairle members invited young people living or attending school in the South Dublin County area to come along.
‘Comhairle na nÓg’ are local youth councils, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. It provides the youth of South Dublin County with an opportunity to identify and discuss matters which affect their daily lives, and is a place for young people to pass on their views and concerns to decision-makers in both local and national government
This event allowed young people to get involved in discussion groups, decided upon by their peers to discuss issues that affect them in our County. Mental Health, Peer Pressure and Bullying, Social Behaviour and Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco Use were discussed; one person from each group gave feedback to the full AGM, including Mayor Caitriona Jones and County Manager Joe Horan. The issues raised will form the basis of a workplan for South Dublin Comhairle for the coming year. The participants also took part in a nationwide Body Image Survey.
Shane Martin from Moodwatchers delivered an inspirational talk on happiness, hope and much more holding the attention of both young people and adults in attendance. County Manager Joe Horan, discussed the importance of Local Government and how young people can affect change in their County, Music and Art Programmes aimed specifically at young people and the Social Credits Scheme. Joe Horan also introduced Debbie Scales, CPLN Partnership who gave a very informative presentation on the Jigsaw Project, an initiative of Headstrong. South Dublin has recently been successful in their application to Headstrong to provide two Jigsaw Projects in the South Dublin area. Comhairle na nÓg was delighted to be requested to get involved in any upcoming consultation work.
The AGM was a great success with 35 young people signing up to become involved. Our new members will be invited to a meeting in Council Chambers in County Hall in November.
For more information or Application Forms please contact
Niamh Carton on 086 606 3682
