The Donegal Youth Council marked the end of its 2022 to 2024 term with a celebratory event on Saturday, 24th August, highlighting their remarkable work and achievements – including a warning over the dangers of vapes.
Over the past two years, the Youth Councillors have actively addressed critical issues such as vaping, mental health, social media and body image and participated in several committees, ensuring that the voices and opinions of young people across Donegal were heard and valued.
The Donegal Youth Council is a unique partnership among between Donegal County Council, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth. The Youth Council is coordinated by Foróige, providing a distinctive platform for youth engagement and advocacy.
The Donegal Youth Council serves as a consultative forum to which young people can identify topics and create action projects to address these topics and inform key decision-makers. Donegal Youth Council ensures that young people’s voices are heard locally and nationally, with representatives selected among the Youth Council committee on local, regional and national committees.
At the celebration event, Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy presented certificates of achievement and addressed attendees, recognising the significant contributions of the Youth Councillors and encouraging young people to get involved through School Student Councils and the Youth Council.
She added ‘I am immensely proud of our Youth Council. You have educated us in what is important for Donegal through the lens of young people. I am truly encouraged by how your ideas have been actioned, bringing your own perspectives to policies that affect the future development of our County’.
Members of the Donegal Youth Council at their celebration event in Letterkenny on Saturday last with guests and guest speakers including Cllr. Niamh Kennedy., Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. Picture: Declan Doherty.
Jessica McDevitt, Mayor of Donegal Youth Council and Rowan Buchanan, Deputy Mayor with Cllr. Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council at the D.Y.S. celebration event in Letterkenny on Saturday. Picture: Declan Doherty
Donegal Youth Council members, Aoife Doyle, Joanne Evans, Noor Imran and Gabriella Irwin recount the many achievements of the Council during the past year at the celebration event in Letterkenny on Saturday. Picture: Declan Doherty
Anne McAteer, Manager of Health Promotion & Improvement with the Health Service Executive emphasised the importance of their work.
As part of a presentation showcasing their work, members of the Youth Council expressed their concerns about the vaping industry, stating, ‘We believe these companies are deliberately targeting young people, and we are deeply concerned about the potential health implications in the future.’
Mr Liam Ward, Deputy Chief Executive with Donegal County Council stated ‘by giving young people the opportunity to be involved in decision-making at all levels, we are all exposed to new ways of thinking. By supporting and allowing young people to become leaders, we recognise their vital role in improving our communities.’
Reflecting on the term, Michael McDevitt, Coordinator of the Donegal Youth Council, highlighted the Councillors’ dedication, ensuring that the voices of young people were represented through their involvement in committees, many consultations and various projects.
Michael remarked, ‘These members have shown incredible commitment and hard work. Throughout their term, they have consistently provided guidance and have always been willing to get involved, leading us to better decisions and outcomes. I cannot thank them enough for their dedication.’
Speaking at the event, Mayor of the Youth Council Jessica McDevitt shared how her involvement with the Donegal Youth Council has personally benefited her.
‘Like many others involved, I feel that I’ve grown up a lot during my time on the Youth Council. In the beginning, I was a bit shy and didn’t like to speak in public—I don’t usually admit that, but it’s true. Now, here I am, speaking at this event and many others. These experiences have really helped me build confidence. I’m eager to continue speaking out and advocating for improvements for the young people of Donegal.’
While the event celebrated the end of their term, the Youth Councillors made it clear that their work was far from over. Outlining their upcoming projects and initiatives, vaping and the provision of period products in schools are to be addressed. Additionally, the Council is preparing for the Donegal Youth Council Annual General Meeting scheduled for November 2024.
The Donegal Youth Council is gearing up for its upcoming elections, which will take place in schools and youth organisations across the county. If you know a young person who would thrive in this exciting initiative, encourage them to put themselves forward through their school or youth organisation. For more information, be sure to check out the Donegal Youth Council’s social media channels.
