Chairperson Launches Dragons’ Den–Style Initiative for Local Democracy Week

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, has launched a Dragons’ Den–style initiative as part of this year’s Local Democracy Week.

The event on Friday 17 October, will see twelve schools, each represented by four students, step into the Chamber at the Downshire Civic Centre to present a Notice of Motion – a proposal on an issue they would like debated by the Council.

Each team will have three minutes to pitch their idea directly to a judging panel made up of the Chairperson along with members from the Council’s Women’s Working Group and Youth Voice.

The Women’s Working Group was set up in 2021 to build the skills and confidence of female representatives and promote the role of women in public and community life. Their involvement in the judging panel ensures that the voices of women in leadership and public service are represented, providing students with role models who understand the challenges and opportunities of civic life.

Newry, Mourne and Down Youth Voice meets regularly to identify and take forward common issues relating to young people in the local area, along with opportunities to engage in residentials and study visits across the UK and Ireland. Their presence on the panel brings the perspective of young people directly into the judging process, making sure the proposals are considered through the lens of those most affected by local decision-making.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “This year, I’m delighted to launch this special Dragons’ Den–style initiative. Through it, students will learn how local government works, experience debating in this very chamber and present their own Notices of Motion.

“What makes this particularly exciting is that the winning motion will even be debated at a future full Council meeting, with actions taken forward based on it. It’s a powerful way of showing young people how their ideas can influence real change.

“My chosen theme for this year as Chairperson is ‘empowering young people’, and I am passionate about engaging more young people in local politics so that they feel seen, supported and inspired. To all the students taking part, this is your chance to make your voices heard, to share your ideas and to experience democracy in action. I wish you the very best of luck and I look forward to welcoming you to the Chamber on 17 October.”

Local Democracy Week is an annual European-wide campaign that aims, on a national level, to raise young people’s awareness of how local Councils operate, highlighting opportunities to take part in local decision-making and how to become involved in local affairs.

The following schools will be participating:

• Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick
• Kilkeel High School
• Lecale Trinity Grammar School, Downpatrick
• Newry High School
• Newtownhamilton High School
• Our Lady’s Grammar School, Newry
• Sacred Heart Grammar School, Newry
• Shimna Integrated College, Newcastle
• St Colmcille’s High School, Crossgar
• St Joseph’s Boys’ High School, Newry
• St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel
• St Malachy’s High School, Castlewellan

For more information on Local Democracy Week, visit: www.newrymournedown.org/local -democracy-week