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Junior County Council
Westmeath County Council is a modern and innovative local authority operating within a local democratic mandate and consists of 23 elected members representing the 5 Electoral areas of Athlone, Coole, Kilbeggan, Mullingar East and West. Members are directly elected by the system of proportional representation every five years. The Council, therefore, is both a service provider, enabler and an elected political institution which provides expression to the local voice and to the aspirations and concerns of local communities.
The Council provides a diverse range of services and activities including the following:
- Housing, Social & Cultural Affairs
- Transportation & Infrastructure
- Economic Development & Planning
- Community & Enterprise
- Environmental Protection & Promotion
- Corporate Services
In addition to these services the Council works in partnership and close liaison with a variety of other organizations including Government Departments, Statutory Agencies, public authorities, business interests and community/voluntary groups to enhance the quality of life for the whole community.
Westmeath Council Council adopted a new Customer Service Action Plan in 2002 incorporating provision for the establishment of a Junior County Council in 2003 in order to promote the concept of active citizenship.
What is the Junior County Council?
The Junior County Council is an elected Council of young people from the various Second Level Schools in the County reflecting the activities of the County Council at County level.
The Junior County Council formally convene on at least three occasions annually to discuss items of interest pertaining to the business of the Local Authority. Formal minutes are taken and placed on the Agenda for the full meeting of the County Council which provides feedback and input into Council decision making.
Councillors and Officials attend meeting of the Junior County Council.
The Junior Count Council will adopt it’s own Standing Orders (Rules and procedures for meetings) and determine it’s own Agenda. Issues may include the following:
- Environmental Protection & Promotion
- Road Safety
- Youth Affairs
- Recreational & Amenity Facilities
- Higher Education Grant System
- The Junior County Council also elect a Junior County
The formation of a Junior County Council
The formation of a Junior County Council provides young people with a practical understanding and appreciation of the activities of the Council. The youth of today are our citizens of tomorrow and our future civic leaders. It also facilitates the Council engaging in genuine dialogue with young people and provides a greater understanding of their view’s and needs.
Who is eligible?
Senior Students from Transition year upwards will be eligible for election to the Junior County Council and Students from 2nd Year upwards will be entitled to vote.
