Leaders of local parties had the opportunity to share how their party has supported young people to date and the plans to support young people in future. Political representatives will answer “quick fire” questions put to them by young people. This event will give young people the opportunity to discuss important issues with their local political representatives. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said he was delighted to be a part of such an important initiative and looked forward to meeting young people of all ages this week. “Local Democracy Week is one of the most rewarding times in our civic calendar. It gives young people the opportunity to see that their voices truly matter, that their opinions count and that they have real power to shape the future of the place they call home. We want to inspire a generation who are confident, informed, and actively engaged in local democracy. “It’s particularly special this year as we just received international recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community last week. We always value hearing directly from our young people, taking their feedback on board and using their insights to strengthen how we work, ensuring that our city and district remain inclusive, positive, and responsive places for everyone in Derry and Strabane.” Students from St. Columb's College who took part in the Local Democracy Week "Meet Your Councillors" held in the Derry City & Strabane District Council Chamber, Guildhall. Seated, fromleft, are Colr. Shaun Harkin, Colr. Rory Farrell, Colr. Gary Donnelly and Colr. Sandra Duffy. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter

placeholder image — Leaders of local parties had the opportunity to share how their party has supported young people to date and the plans to support young people in future. Political representatives will answer “quick fire” questions put to them by young people. This event will give young people the opportunity to discuss important issues with their local political representatives. The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, said he was delighted to be a part of such an important initiative and looked forward to meeting young people of all ages this week. “Local Democracy Week is one of the most rewarding times in our civic calendar. It gives young people the opportunity to see that their voices truly matter, that their opinions count and that they have real power to shape the future of the place they call home. We want to inspire a generation who are confident, informed, and actively engaged in local democracy. “It’s particularly special this year as we just received international recognition as a UNICEF Child Friendly Community last week. We always value hearing directly from our young people, taking their feedback on board and using their insights to strengthen how we work, ensuring that our city and district remain inclusive, positive, and responsive places for everyone in Derry and Strabane.” Students from St. Columb's College who took part in the Local Democracy Week "Meet Your Councillors" held in the Derry City & Strabane District Council Chamber, Guildhall. Seated, fromleft, are Colr. Shaun Harkin, Colr. Rory Farrell, Colr. Gary Donnelly and Colr. Sandra Duffy. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics) We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter

IN PICTURES: Young voices shape future of Derry and Strabane at Local Democracy Week event

Published 20th Oct 2025, 14:57 BST

Mayor Ruairí McHugh and elected members met with young people at 'Have Your Say' events

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Front from left are Sophia Wilson, Jamie McGilloway, Diya Bhargava, Reece McGarrigle. Back, from left, are Ciara Burke, Programme Manager Community Development, DCSDC, Declan Gallgher, Senior Youth Officer, EA, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, Paul Sweeney, Locality Planning Coordinator, WHSCT and Clare Maguire, Children and Young People’s Coordinator, DCSDC. (Photo: Lorcan Doherty Photography)

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We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can. Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond. TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

IN PICTURES: Young voices shape future of Derry and Strabane at Local Democracy Week event

Mayor Ruairí McHugh and elected members met with young people at 'Have Your Say' events

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