Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg receives €20,000 to increase young population’s engagement with Local Auth
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone announced that Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg will receive €20,000 for the purpose of allowing young people to express their views to their Local Authority about policies which impact their lives.
This funding is part of €620,000 being made available to the Comhairle na nÓg groups active across 31 Local Authorities in Ireland through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone with Comhairle na nÓg members
Welcoming the funding, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid said: “With the youngest population in the country, Fingal’s children and young people are hugely affected by decisions made by local government. It is essential that we interact with groups who represent young people to allow us make informed decisions about policies and services that are matched with the interests of young people.”
Announcing the funding on last week, Minister Zappone said: “It is the mission of my office to ensure that children and young people are respected as the citizens of today and not just the adults of tomorrow. I regard meaningful participation in decision-making by children and young people as critically important. They must be given a fair say on policies, rules and regulations which impact on their daily lives.”
Comhairle na nÓg members are active on a wide range of issues. These include promotion of the Irish language, promotion of alternate sports, sexual health and education, raising awareness of mental health issues, health and fitness for young people, homelessness, LGBTI awareness campaigns and challenging stereotypes.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Mary McCamley said: “I look forward to seeing Fingal’s Comhairle na nÓg working with Fingal County Council to increase the participation of young people in local government. We have a diverse and vibrant young population in Fingal who have the potential to contribute positively to local government policy making.”
Many local agencies consult with their Comhairle na nÓg to get the views of young people on the development of relevant services and policies, such as Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs) and local development strategies, heritage plans, play and recreation policies, policing plans and the location or type of sports facilities in the area. Comhairle na nÓg are also often asked for submissions on local policies or to take part in public consultations.