Wicklow Youth Summit 2025

This week, almost 100 young people from across County Wicklow came together for this year’s Comhairle na nÓg Youth Summit. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet others, share ideas, and talk about the real issues that affect young people in our county.

The event was officially opened by Cllr Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council. We were also joined by Koryne from Senator Pat Casey’s office, Cllr Graham Richmond, Helen from the Public Participation Network, and Michael Nicholson, Director of Services at Wicklow County Council. It was great to see so many local representatives there to support young voices.

The Topics That Matter

Throughout the day, we worked in groups to discuss what issues are most important to us. After some great conversations and voting, two main themes were chosen for Comhairle’s focus this year:

• Transport – looking at how young people can get around more easily and safely across the county.

• School Life – focusing on challenges like school stress, bullying, and peer pressure, and how schools can become more supportive environments.

These topics came directly from young people’s experiences, and they’ll shape the work Wicklow Comhairle na nÓg does going forward.

Why It’s Important

The Youth Summit gives young people a genuine chance to be heard and to influence decisions that affect us. It’s not just a one-day event, it’s the start of ongoing projects that can make a real difference in our communities.

Thanks to everyone who took part, helped organise the day, and contributed their ideas. The energy and honesty from everyone in the room made it clear that young people in Wicklow are ready to be part of the conversation about how our county can improve.

We’re looking forward to continuing the work on transport and school life in the months ahead.