Monaghan Comhairle na nÓg Youth Council successfully facilitated an event called Let’s Talk on 24th May 2024.

The event consisted of young people from Youth Work Ireland within Co. Monaghan, members of Monaghan Comhairle na nÓg, and a number of students from various secondary schools throughout Monaghan. The young people participated in discussions and workshops that were based around Monaghan Comhairle na nÓg key topic, “Lack of Infrastructure”.   The range of topics discussed included the lack of transport in local towns and communities, the general condition of roads, lack of amenities and facilities for young people, the lack of affordable and suitable housing in the community and the lack of services in general such as mental health and GP services. 

The young people had the opportunity to move around the room in their groups and discuss the different topics that stem from the main issue “Lack of Infrastructure”. This gave every young person the chance to voice any opinions or concerns they had, while allowing the Comhairle na nÓg table facilitator to evaluate the information gathered and come up with questions for the Councillors and Candidates present.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Councillors and candidates from around the county were invited to attend the event. The Councillors and Candidates made their way around the tables discussing the issues and topics the young people were portraying. This gave them an insight into how they can improve the issues that young people face. 

Following the discussions each table came up with a variety of questions they felt they could present to the candidates. Some of the questions asked on the morning were based around the conditions of the roads, the lack of amenities and facilities in rural areas for young people and the lack of transport and cycling lanes in county Monaghan.

The event was a very positive experience. It opened many young people’s minds to the world of politics and gave them the opportunity to have their voices heard.