Environment the key topic for Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg AGM

The environment will be a central theme at the annual general meeting of the Westmeath youth county council on Tuesday November 24, and, for the first time, the AGM will take place wholly online.

More than 200 students from schools all over the county will attend the half-day meeting, which will be officially opened by Cllr Ken Glynn, cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council.

“The environment will feature prominently in our discussions this year, which reflects the interests of our delegates. We want to raise awareness of our local, national and global environments,” said Tori Farrell, Westmeath Comhairle na nÓg.

“We will have guest presentations on recycling by Larry Murphy, Westmeath County Council; the preservation of bats by Dr Tina Aughney, Bat Conservation Ireland; and the wonderful world of bees by Ken Norton from the Irish Beekeepers Association.

“Along with the various presentations, we will have group discussions, a raffle with some great prizes and a vote on the issues and topics that Westmeath Comhairle should focus on in 2021.”

Comhairle na nÓg are child and youth councils in the country’s 31 local authorities. They are designed to enable young people to make their views known on services, policies and issues that affect them in their local areas.

“Comhairle na nÓg are a great way for young people to become actively involved in their own county. Our experience is that young people are highly motivated about issues and want to make a contribution,” added Tori.

“We would urge any young person who cares about Westmeath, and who wants to have a say in issues relating to our generation, to attend the AGM and to take part in what will be interesting and engaging discussions.”

Invitations have been sent to all schools in the county. The event will be hosted online on the www.TheHoranStand.com platform due to the Covid-19 restrictions.