Dublin Castle was buzzing with energy and ideas as more than 400 young people from all 31 Comhairlí came together on the 15th April for the Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase 2025.

Hosted by presenter and podcaster Fionnuala Jones, the event brought together Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister Norma Foley, members of Government and senior officials to hear directly from young people about the issues that matter most to them.

The Showcase, which takes place every two years, is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It’s a chance for each Comhairle to share the work they’ve done over the past two years and to connect face-to-face with decision-makers on local and national issues.

Young people spoke about everything from mental health and education reform to climate action, youth rights, and transport. Through exhibition stands, panel discussions and conversations throughout the day, they showed just how much they’re doing to create change in their communities and beyond.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was delighted to see so many engaged and passionate young people, and stressed how important it is for Government to listen and take their voices seriously. Minister Norma Foley called Comhairle na nÓg a brilliant example of youth participation and said it was a privilege to hear directly from the young people shaping policy at every level.

One of the day’s highlights was hearing from Tasfia Hossain, a Carlow Comhairle and National Executive alumnus, who spoke about what she learned during her time in Comhairle and how it opened up real opportunities to make an impact.

There was plenty of energy too, with a stunning performance from the Dublin Gospel Choir, and great conversations happening all around the room as guests and young people connected.

Robyn Lehany-Fee from Leitrim Comhairle summed it up perfectly:

“The Comhairle na nÓg National Showcase is an amazing opportunity for us to have meaningful discussions with policymakers and influence future decisions that affect us all.”

Showcase 2025 was a celebration of everything Comhairle na nÓg is about – youth voice, action, and real influence. Can’t wait to do it all again in 2027. Thank you to everyone who made the day possible.