Minister for Transport Darragh O’ Brien and Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality Norma Foley have welcomed the publication of the National Youth Assembly on Transport 2025 – Summary Report. The Report captures the views and recommendations of young people from across Ireland on the future of transport.

The National Youth Assembly of Ireland, coordinated by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality with the support of the National Participation Office, is a consultative forum established by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. It provides young people aged 12 to 24 years old with an opportunity to participate in informing and deciding public policy on emerging matters.

The National Youth Assembly on Transport took place in November 2025. The transport-themed Assembly marked a historic milestone, as it was both the first Assembly dedicated to transport and the first thematic Assembly proactively initiated and requested by delegates in direct collaboration with a government department.

Through workshops and group discussions, the delegates identified priority issues and developed recommendations, which were presented to Minister of State Jerry Buttimer on the day.

“The National Youth Assembly on Transport gives young people a tangible and practical opportunity to guide national policy. The engagement of the delegates at the Assembly reminds us why youth voices matter in shaping the future of transport. My Department is committed to ensuring that youth voices are central to the design, delivery, and monitoring of transport policies, programmes, and services, both nationally and locally.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien

“There has been upsurge in youth participation with over 4,000 young people involved in Government decision making last year alone. It is very positive to see young people in the National Youth Assembly deciding themselves to focus on transport as a key issue. Their recommendations in this report will help us to make transport services work better for young people.”

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley

“Good public policy is informed by listening to a broad range of voices and experiences. The National Youth Assembly on Transport has provided an important forum for young people to share their perspectives and propose practical solutions. I welcome the publication of this report and look forward to continuing engagement with young people as we work towards a transport network that meets the needs of communities throughout Ireland.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney

“I was delighted to attend the National Youth Assembly on Transport in November and experience first-hand the enthusiasm, creativity and ambition of young people from across the country as they engaged in meaningful discussions on the future of our transport system. I thank the delegates for their contributions and their willingness to engage with my Department in shaping the future of transport.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer

The Assembly was attended by 58 youth delegates from across Ireland. The delegates explored benefits, opportunities, and challenges across the key themes of Public Transport, Accessibility, School Transport, and Active Travel.

They produced seventeen recommendations which are captured in the report, giving a detailed record of the assembly discussions and reflects the concerns of young people across Ireland in relation to transport issues.

The report is available here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/be7b00cf/National-Youth-Assembly-on-Transport-Summary-Report-2025.pdf