The South Dublin Comhairle Annual Youth Conference

The South Dublin Comhairle Annual Youth Conference (AYC)  was held in the Maldron Hotel Tallaght, Thursday 13th November 2025.  The Mayor, Cllr. Pamela Kearns gave the opening address at  the event. Young people from all the schools and youth services in South Dublin County were invited to attend the AYC, which was organised by Foróige and South Dublin County Council.  

Comhairle na nÓg directly involves children and young people in evolving local and national services and policies. Comhairle na nÓg child and youth councils operate in each of the 31 Local Authority areas across Ireland. Funded and managed by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the councils enable young people aged 12-17 to exercise their right in influencing decision-makers on the topics most important to them. To empower 12-17 year olds with an input on the decisions being made by those in power. With under-18s unable to vote, Comhairle na nÓg child and youth councils give young people a powerful forum to have their voices not only heard, but their rights, views and opinions taken on board in the creation and change of the policies and services affecting them.

South Dublin Comhairle members presented their work for the past year at the Annual Youth Conference.  The topic for 2025 was Social Media and Expectations on Young People. The members conducted a survey on what young people think about social media and its impacts on young people.  Responses were sought through social media platforms, and members also carried out live interviews and workshops with young people. The findings form the basis of Comhairle’s social media campaign which encouraged young people to take time offline, use social media safely, explore other interests and see their friends in real life. The highlight of the AYC was a mini hobbies fair, designed to showcase hobbies and activities young people can do in South Dublin, and featured Noise Dublin, Foróige, South Dublin Libraries and Active South Dublin.