Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2023 taking place in the Mansion House

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Róiste opened the Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2023 today at the Round Room in the Mansion House.

Over 200 representatives from schools and youth organisations across the city will discuss themes relevant to them through a series of workshops to be carried out on the day.

These young people, aged 12 to 17 years of age will also discuss the work carried out by Comhairle during the previous year.

New members will be elected to fill vacancies on the 63 member Comhairle and a topic will be chosen for them to work on primarily throughout the year.

Speaking at the opening of the conference the Lord Mayor said, “This event is a stepping stone for our youth, an opportunity to become part of the next generation of leaders in Dublin City.

“Comhairle na nÓg gives young people a voice in the decision making in the development of local services and policies.

“It gives young people a chance to shape their own future and not have others decide it for them!

“It’s very important that we hear from them. I can’t wait to listen to what they have to say.”

Since the last Youth conference, the elected Comhairle members have worked on the theme of Period Stigma as their overall topic.

As part of their work programme Comhairle members arranged free Period Packs to be distributed to all members’ schools across Dublin City.

The aim of the campaign is to promote awareness of period stigma.

Members of Dublin City Comhairle na nÓg took part in a short film as part of this year’s awareness campaign.

In mid-august members were able to voice their opinion expertise on the topic of period stigma.

The ‘Talking Heads’ short film also had members contribute their views on Irish society.

“Comhairle’s success would not be possible without the continuous support and encouragement given by parents, schools and youth organisations.

“While Dublin City Council facilitates the overall organisation of Comhairle in the city area it does this through a multi-agency approach with partner organisations relevant to young people and their areas of interest.

“By giving the youth this chance to discuss and debate important matters of relevance to them in their community, they are encouraged to speak out and be heard as an influential voice in the local and national decision making processes,” said Christine Lyons, Comhairle Co-ordinator, Dublin City Council.