Young Offaly people attend Comhairle na nÓg’s National Showcase

NINE young people from Offaly joined Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Norma Foley at Dublin Castle for Comhairle na nÓg’s National Showcase 2025.

Dublin Castle became a hub of youth empowerment on April 15th as over 400 young people, aged 12-17, from every county in Ireland gathered for the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025. Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together the Taoiseach Michaél Martin, Minister Norma Foley, members of Government and Senior Government officials to engage directly with young people on the issues that matter most to them.

Hosted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), the biannual Showcase provided a vital platform for the 31 Comhairle na nÓg groups to present their work and connect directly with decision-makers on policies that impact their lives. The Showcase highlighted the power of youth-led action and demonstrated how young people are influencing policy development at local and national levels.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised the event, stating: “Comhairle na nÓg provides young people across the country with the opportunity to have their voices heard. I am delighted to see so many energetic and engaged young people here today expressing their views on topics that impact them. 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 for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, highlighted the importance of youth participation, saying: “Comhairle na nÓg is a fantastic forum for young people across Ireland, giving them an opportunity to share their views and influence policy development on a local, regional, and even national level. Today’s event provides these young people with an excellent opportunity to speak directly with policymakers, Government representatives and those having a direct impact on their lives on a wide range of issues, and I have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing it first-hand.”

Throughout the day, young people participated in panel discussions, interactive exhibitions, and networking sessions with policymakers and government representatives. These discussions tackled pressing issues such as mental health, education reform, climate action, transport and youth rights, reinforcing the significant role young people play in shaping Ireland’s future.

Karen Maloney from Offaly Comhairle na nÓg shared their perspective: "Offaly Comhairle is focusing on mental health this year and partnering with the HSE. Comhairle is a great place for young people to have their voices heard on issues they care about. It also shows young people that there are people who care about their opinions and allow them to meet with likeminded people and create life long bonds with people who also care about making the world a better place for everyone."

The Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025 at Dublin Castle proved to be an inspiring, thought-provoking, and impactful event that celebrated the power of youth participation in Ireland.

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