Tipperary teenagers head to the Dáil

Emily Baggot O'Dwyer, Irina Pojar, Eoin Tarpey , Olivia D'Arcy, and Jamie Blake

placeholder image — Emily Baggot O'Dwyer, Irina Pojar, Eoin Tarpey , Olivia D'Arcy, and Jamie Blake

Young people from Thurles, Nenagh, Tipperary Town, Borrisokane, and Cahir, took part in a special Dáil na nÓg in Leinster House

Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg was proudly represented at Dáil na nÓg 2026, Ireland’s National Youth Parliament, held in Leinster House on Friday 1st May. Delegates Emily Baggot O'Dwyer (Ursuline College Thurles), Irina Pojar (St. Anne's Secondary School Tipperary), Eoin Tarpey (Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed), Ben Kennedy (Borrisokane Community School), Olivia D'Arcy (Coláiste Dún Iascaigh), and Jamie Blake (Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed) took part in this significant national event, joining young people from across the country to discuss and shape key issues affecting youth in Ireland.

At this year’s assembly, delegates voted to make the Irish language in education their national top priority for the next two years. Continuous assessment in education also featured prominently in discussions. These priorities will now be formally submitted as the leading recommendations from young people to the upcoming Convention on Education, contributing to the future direction of Ireland’s education system.

The event also provided delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with national decision-makers, including An Tánaiste Simon Harris, Minister Emer Higgins, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Pearse Doherty TD, and Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy.

Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg is also delighted to share that Eoin Tarpey has been elected as Tipperary’s new National Executive Delegate. He has now commenced his two-year term with Comhairle na nÓg and joins a national executive team of 31 members, meeting monthly in Dublin. There is every confidence that he will make a very positive contribution at national level.

Congratulations are also extended to Olivia D'Arcy, who has completed her two-year term as Tipperary’s National Executive representative. Olivia played a pivotal role during her term, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment while ensuring that the voices of young people in Tipperary were heard at a national level.

Additionally, congratulations to Ben Kennedy, who served on the Dáil na nÓg steering committee, contributing to the planning and delivery of this important event.

Tipperary Comhairle na nÓg remains committed to empowering young people to have their voices heard and to actively participate in shaping the policies that affect their lives.