What is Comhairle na nÓg?
Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the 31 local authorities of the country, which give children and young people the opportunity to be involved in the development of local services and policies.
In light of the fact that Comhairle na nÓg is for young people under the age of 18 and who therefore have no other voting mechanism to have their voice heard, Comhairle na nÓg is designed to enable young people to have a voice on the services, policies and issues that affect them in their local area.
In Galway City Comhairle na nÓg, a co-ordinator from Youth Work Ireland Galway works with the young people to ensure that they have a positive experience and facilitates the meetings of the committee to work on the topic voted at the AGM. The AGM is held in October each year and local secondary schools, Youthreach and Youth organisations are invited to send a number of pupils along to it.
At the AGM, the progress on issues identified at the previous year's meeting is presented and those in attendance vote on the topic for the next year.
The young people who attend the meeting are asked if they would like to become part of the Comhairle na nÓg committee and thereby can get involved.
Further information at: the Comhairle na nÓg website and on the Comhairle na nÓg Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/GalwayCityComhairleNanOg/
How can I join?
You should enquire at your school if they are sending pupils to the AGM and if so, you should volunteer to attend.
If I miss the AGM can I still join?
Yes, it is possible to be part of Comhairle na nÓg even if you did not attend the Annual General Meeting in October.
If you missed the meeting, then you should contact the Comhairle na nÓg Co-ordinator and discuss this matter. Details are available on the Comhairle na nÓg Facebook page
When do meetings take place?
Meetings take place during the school year on Mondays from 4.30pm to 5.45pm.
It may also be necessary to hold more meetings in advance of special events
Where are meetings held?
Meetings are generally held in Galway City Council offices, at City Hall, College Road, Galway but may also take place in alternative venues depending on the circumstances.
How do I contact the Comhairle na nÓg co-ordinator for Galway City?
The Local co-ordinator of Comhairle na nÓg for Galway City is Deirdre Bermingham, Youth Work Ireland Galway.
Deirdre may be contacted by telephone on 087-3291931 or by email at deirdre.bermingham@youthworkgalway.ie