Donegal Youth Council gets time to shine at Donegal County Council

The Donegal Youth Council (Comhairle na nÓg) has presented their work to Donegal County Council.

Mayor Cassie Lambe, Margaret Byrne, a national executive member at Donegal Youth Council, along with Michael McDevitt, Foroige, made a presentation at today’s special plenary meeting in the Council Chamber, Lifford.

The presentation detailed all of the events and consultations that the members have attended, as well as resources created by the youth council.

“Our role is to represent, uplift and defend student voices all across Donegal,” Mayor Cassie said. “Ensuring that every town and area is covered. We attend committees, consultations and participate in projects and presentations.”

Elected representatives had the opportunity to ask questions and the prominent topic was the impact of social media on young people and convincing young people to get involved in politics. A social media ban for under-16s was discussed, as well as the importance of education and teaching politics in schools, which was highlighted by the youth council.

The youth council have created a Study & College Toolkit designed to offer students support by alleviating stress and laying out the steps ahead for attending college. The students aim to create an awareness video on promoting positive behaviour, a safe and inclusive environment and peer-to-peer education, inspired by Bi Cinealta - a policy by the Department of Education.

Furthermore, they have made educational graphics on vaping, focusing on the financial side, the impact on mental health and the ingredients, which have been shared with schools.

The students also drafted a petition which aimed to get rid of the flavouring and colourful packaging associated with vaping products and intend to write to local TDs and Senators on the matter.

School/exam stress, bullying and vaping were the three topics voted for to be worked on by the Donegal Youth Council at the Annual General Meeting. The 2025 AGM, held in the Clanree Hotel, Letterkenny, was attended by 131 young people from across the county.

Consisting of elected young people aged 12-18, the Donegal Youth Council is a partnership between Donegal County Council, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth.

The council are coordinated by Foroige, which provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard on issues impacting them.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme