Waterford Comhairle na nÓg continues to empower young people across the county by providing a platform for youth voice, participation, and leadership at both local and national level.

Made up of young people aged 12–17 from across Waterford, the Youth Council works each year on issues that matter most to young people. The annual topic is selected during the Waterford Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference, where young people from across the county come together to discuss the challenges impacting their lives today.

In 2025, over 180 young people participated in the conference, with Drugs and Alcohol selected as the key topic for 2026. Members are now planning a dedicated Youth Forum to further explore the issue, raise awareness, and provide information on supports and services available to young people.

Mental health has remained a key focus for the group in recent years. In 2025, members developed a transition programme for 6th Class students to support the move from primary to secondary school. In 2024, the group also campaigned to increase youth mental health supports in Waterford, supporting proposals connected to bringing Jigsaw services to the county.

Climate action continues to be another important area of work for the group. Since 2020, members have planted over 5,000 trees across sites in Carraiganore and Cherrymount, helping to create spaces that encourage wellbeing and connection with nature. These projects were developed in collaboration with local artist John Hayes and supported through Sláintecare funding.

Members of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg are also active at national and international level through initiatives including the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, NYCI Young Voices, the European Youth Parliament and Erasmus+ programmes.

Through their dedication, voluntary participation, and commitment to representing the perspectives of young people, Waterford Comhairle na nÓg members continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across the county.

Waterford Comhairle na nÓg continues to empower young people across the county by providing a platform for youth voice, participation, and leadership at both local and national level.

Made up of young people aged 12–17 from across Waterford, the Youth Council works each year on issues that matter most to young people. The annual topic is selected during the Waterford Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference, where young people from across the county come together to discuss the challenges impacting their lives today.

In 2025, over 180 young people participated in the conference, with Drugs and Alcohol selected as the key topic for 2026. Members are now planning a dedicated Youth Forum to further explore the issue, raise awareness, and provide information on supports and services available to young people.

Mental health has remained a key focus for the group in recent years. In 2025, members developed a transition programme for 6th Class students to support the move from primary to secondary school. In 2024, the group also campaigned to increase youth mental health supports in Waterford, supporting proposals connected to bringing Jigsaw services to the county.

Climate action continues to be another important area of work for the group. Since 2020, members have planted over 5,000 trees across sites in Carraiganore and Cherrymount, helping to create spaces that encourage wellbeing and connection with nature. These projects were developed in collaboration with local artist John Hayes and supported through Sláintecare funding.

Members of Waterford Comhairle na nÓg are also active at national and international level through initiatives including the Comhairle na nÓg National Executive, NYCI Young Voices, the European Youth Parliament and Erasmus+ programmes.

Through their dedication, voluntary participation, and commitment to representing the perspectives of young people, Waterford Comhairle na nÓg members continue to make a meaningful difference in communities across the county.