OVER 70 young people from local schools gathered for the Fingal Comhairle na nÓg agm and elections for 2016-2018.
Fingal youth councillors and prospective representatives were joined by Deputy Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eithne Loftus and Fingal County Council chief executive Paul Reid.
Cllr Loftus outlined the work of Fingal County Council and the positive impact it can have on the lives of young people in Fingal. She also spoke about the work the council does with other agencies including Jigsaw, Foróige, Crosscare and the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown.
”It is so heartening to see so many young people actively engaged in matters of concern to them,” said Cllr Loftus. “I know our future is in good hands.”
Chair of the current Fingal Comhairle na nÓg, Daria Jonisz, told delegates about the Youth Council’s work over the period 2014-2016. She thanked youth councillors for all their work and commitment to Fingal Youth Council.
“I had the privilege of being nominated by my peers as Chair of Fingal Comhairle Na nÓg for the last two years,” she said.
“I wish all of the new Comhairle the very best going forward.”
Charles Adejan spoke about the First Aid Project they developed and rolled out as a pilot in Fingal Community College, Swords. Emer O’Mahony highlighted the LGBT initiative they had undertaken to raise awareness and help create a safe and inclusive environment for young people in the county.
Fingal Council Council staff and youth development workers from Crosscare-Swords/Baldoyle and Foróige-Blanchardstown oversaw the election process. Twenty four new councillors were elected to represent the voice of young people in the county.
The new Youth Council discussed topics around mental health including cyber bullying, depression and eating disorders. Over the next two years they will work to develop a programme of actions which they will deliver on behalf of young people of Fingal.