Comhairle na nÓg are local youth councils, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies. There is a Comhairle na nÓg in every city and county. Comhairle na nÓg were set up under the National Children’s Strategy (2000) in the 34 City and County Development Boards around the country. The work of Commhairle na nÓg is the responsibility of the local authority in each city and county.
The Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is developing a website for Comhairle na nÓg. The site aims to provide information on Comhairle na nÓg and links to Comhairle na nÓg websites around the country.
Comhairle na Óg are overseen and part-funded by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA). The OMCYA has the lead role in ensuring that children and young people in Ireland have a voice on issues that affect their lives.
Delegates from Comhairle na nÓg are elected to represent their local area at the annual Dáil na nÓg (national youth parliament). Many local authorities around the country are doing fantastic work with Comhairle na nÓg and involving children and young people in projects such as:
- the way future recreation facilities and youth cafes will be developed and managed;
- the development of playgrounds;
- encouraging active citizenship;
- promoting road safety among teenagers;
- highlighting health and safety on school buses;
- developing conservation and heritage plans.
For information visit the OMCYA Participation Initiatives webpage
For more information please visit www.comhairlenanog.ie
Download Evaluation Report: Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund 2008-2009
Download Report of the Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund 2007-2008
