'We don't have a space to relax in the open air' Laois youth representatives set out the big issues

The group that represents children and young people of Laois says they don't feel safe relaxing outdoors, and need help to get off their phones.

Laois Comhairle na nÓg is the voice for people aged 12 to 18 years in Laois, with members from nine of the 10 secondary schools and organisations.

This week they told Laois county councillors what their big issues are, at the November council meeting.

Speaking were Emma Ging, Kacie Constantinou, Áine Barrett and Rórí Keane, accompanied by coordinator Rosemary Kunene.

"We did surveys and got over 1,000 responses, nearly 25% of students. In consultation with Jigsaw, Laois Sports and Leisure officer and biodiversity officer and Laois Partnership, we have begun creating a safe space in Portlaoise People's Park.

"It is very important to get off phones, we agree. But we don't have the space to relax in the open air. We don't have parks and places to sit, away from school stress, a park for teens," Áine said.

That teen park area is still at design stage, they told the Leinster Express / Laois Live afterwards.

Last June, Laois County Council announced that with Laois Comhairle na nÓg, it had successfully won a grant of €125,000 from Government to build a special hangout space for teens called Giving Young People the Sun, Moon and Stars, in the park on the Timahoe Road in Portlaoise. 

Other big topics are being tackled too by Laois Comhairle members, as Kacie explained at the meeting.

"We are focusing on mental health, and the need for both physical and mental supports. We got very positive feedback in our surveys. Good mental health starts with getting outside, but it can be playing board games, doing competitions," she said.

Emma said that more topics came up at the Comhairle's annual youth conference held in November.

"The topics from surveys to all schools is anger management," she said.

That anger came up when the young people were surveyed at the conference to ask what they believe the role of the European Union is.

"The opinions were negative and there was a lot of anger," coordinator Rosemary added.

Rórí added that a different and also serious topic came top of votes at the Seanad na nÓg.

"Sixty delegates voted that the most prevalent issue is equality. Discrimination is especially prevalent, especially online. Social media makes it easy to spread discrimination. The cost of living is the second most voted topic," he said.

The Laois councillors had suggestions of their own.

Cllr John King noted that "in a few years time you will be replacing us".

"You didn't mention drugs. Is it a problem in secondary schools? Hopefully not in national schools. To get rid of our anger we took up all sorts of sports. Thank god you can work in all sorts of jobs now, it's a very even field. You're born at a good time," he said.

"Well done to all of you for stepping up, that takes courage," Cllr Marie Tuohy said.

Cllr John Joe Fennelly suggests that more young people volunteer with their local Tidy Towns groups.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley noted that Laois gets the "lowest level in the 26 counties of funding for youth projects".

"I am taken aback at hearing you do not have safe spaces. One of our biggest tasks was the rollout of amenities. Is is because you don't feel safe? What do you visualise as a safe space? What are you asking us to do?" she asked.

She urged them to use any influence they have on other students and ask them to use scooters safely.

"We see it on a daily basis, wear helmets, and don't take passengers," she added.

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The Cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh also spoke.

"We are doing a great job on housing in Laois, one of the fastest in the country but facilities need to come with that. There should be recreation facilities as part of planning estates. I was at the conference, it was really inspiring. We will listen," he said.

Rosie Kunene has invited Laois councillors to come to one of their fortnightly meetings in the YWI youth café in Portlaoise. Other new members are also welcome. Email rosemary@ywilaois.com