ALMOST 12 months on from the election of Limerick’s first Directly Elected Mayor (DEM), talk has now turned to establishing an office of a Youth Mayor.
Speaking at this Monday’s meeting of Limerick City and County Council (LCCC), Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara proposed that young people, aged 12 to 17, be given the opportunity to get involved in decision making.
This, he believes, could feed into tailoring services to meet the needs of young people in Limerick and provide a channel for young people’s views to be heard directly by decision makers.
”They would be chosen through a democratic election and participate in Limerick schools, and they would serve a one-year term as part of their role as Youth Mayor,” Cllr Hickey-O’Mara explained.
“They would support and be an advisor to Limerick’s young people to inform and advise our democratically elected mayor and councillors on issues relating to young people, work with youth advisors, youth panels and forums to inform the work of decision-making bodies and oversee projects that would benefit their local community and beyond.”
Cllr Elisa O’Donovan (SD) seconded the motion, and took the view that Limerick can now lead the way in having the first young person’s mayor.
“I think this would really add so much to this council chamber and how we plan and strategise for the future and future generations. I think it’s very important to have their voice included and their experiences reflected,” she said.
Independent councillor Ursula Gavan took the view that anything that gives a voice to young people has to be commended.
“We have to remember, they are actually the future. We’re only warming the seats for them. If we actually let them get involved in the decision-making process from an early age, we decrease the democratic deficit that’s in the country at the moment. It’s also about respect, they deserve that respect,” Cllr Gavan insisted.
