Comhaire na Nóg Press Release

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED 6^TH MARCH 2009

Comhairle na ng 2009 Creating A Better Ireland for Young People

South Dublin County Council hosted Comhairle na ng - A Seminar for young people Wednesday 4^th March 2009, in Fettercairn Youth and Community Centre, Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Comhairli na ng 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 at both local and national government. South Dublin County Comhairle na ng was selected as one of three projects to be evaluated as examples of best practice that other Comhairl across the country can emulate.

This event was launched by South Dublin Mayor Marie Corr. As 2009 is The European Year of Creativity and Innovation the theme for this event is Creating a Better Ireland for Young People. Ronanstown Youth Service facilitated on the day. Nearly all post primary schools in the County sent a representative to this event. The positive and negative aspects of websites such as Bebo and Facebook were debated on the day. The new Comhairle also made a number of suggestions on topics that they would like to discuss over the next two years whilst they are in office. South Dublin County Council recognises Comhairle na ng as a platform for discussion and consultation for young people in the County.

The aim of this seminar was to substantially increase the number of schools participating in the South Dublin County Comhairle na ng structure. This consultation process was essential as it provided South Dublin Comhairle na ng and South Dublin County Council with the opportunity to engage with the young citizens of the County, therefore promoting active participation of young people within their local communities. Student Councils throughout the County were asked to elect two members from their schools to attend this event and become active members of Comhairle na ng over a two year period. Capacity Building training for the new Comhairle is due to take place in April.

In taking this initiative, South Dublin County Council has set a high standard in terms of the youth consultation process, so as to ensure that the first goal of the National Childrens Strategy is met: Children will have a voice in matters which affect them and their views will be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity. The seminar provided young people with the opportunity to have a voice in improving the quality of their lives in South Dublin. Workshop material from the day will be available for all to see in the coming weeks in our new Library, Red Multi Media Centre and The Big Picture.

For further information please contact Niamh Carton, Comhairle na ng, Community Services Department, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24. 4149000

ENDS

ISSUED 6^TH MARCH 2009