2025 DLR Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase

In April, 12 members of DLR Comhairle na nÓg, supported by staff from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Community and Cultural Development Department, attended the 2025 National Showcase event in Dublin Castle. 

This event was a celebration of all the work done by Comhairle na nÓg members from all 31 local authorities across Ireland. DLR Comhairle na nÓg members had the opportunity to highlight the work they have done over the past two years attempting to combat school stress through several initiatives.  

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council highlighted the importance of the work of Comhairle na nÓg:

“Comhairle na nÓg offers young people of non-voting age the opportunity to have their voices heard and impact policy. I have had the opportunity to work with DLR Comhairle na nÓg recently attending their Bridging the Gap event in August 2024 hosted in Dundrum Town Centre. This event offered support to students transitioning from primary to secondary level education. I am glad to hear young people from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown played a central role in proceedings during the 2025 Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase. Judging by the work I have witnessed, future generations are in very safe hands.”

They received a certificate of achievement for their work and one DLR Comhairle na nÓg member was chosen to Chair a panel discussion between young people and decision makers. Additionally, they presented their work to key decision makers including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Norma Foley TD, Roderic O'Gorman TD and Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD.

Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council added:

“We need to afford every available opportunity for future generations to become active citizens and to engage in work that may impact policy. Led by our Community and Cultural Development Department Comhairle na nÓg is an excellent structure which allows for such opportunities. It is important to highlight that within DLR Comhairle na nÓg there has been a significant push to have the seldom heard voice represented and no doubt this will add significant value to decision making and narrative in coming years. I am proud to see the incredible work of DLR Comhairle na nÓg represented on a countrywide scale at the 2025 Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin commented that: 

“Comhairle na nÓg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. It is of the utmost importance that we consider their inputs, and keep their futures in mind, in all of our Government’s work.”

Minister Norma Foley echoed this sentiment, adding: 

“Today’s event gives young people an excellent opportunity to speak directly with policymakers and government representatives. It’s been inspiring to witness it first-hand.”

Further information on DLR Comhairle na nÓg can be found here