Kerry Youth Council meets with Billy Kelleher MEP

Members of Kerry Comhairle na nÓg, the county’s youth council, met with Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher in Killarney recently to discuss a range of local and international issues.

The meeting focused on the council’s primary topic for the year: the lack of facilities and activities for young people in Kerry. Mr Kelleher suggested that school buildings could be better utilised as community spaces during out-of-school hours. The Fianna Fáil MEP also addressed the housing crisis, noting that excessive red tape and planning issues have stunted the ability to build affordable homes for the next generation.
During the session, the discussion moved to global affairs, including the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Mr Kelleher shared insights from his previous state visits and his time as Minister for Trade, while also briefing the members on Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency and the daily life of an MEP in Brussels and Strasbourg.
On the subject of Artificial Intelligence, he warned of its future impact and stressed the need for democratic oversight and checks and balances.
“It was a great opportunity for Kerry Comhairle na nÓg to meet with one of our Ireland South MEPs. We represent the young people of Kerry to decision makers, and getting the chance to discuss young people’s priorities, such as the lack of facilities, with one of our European representatives was great,” said Christian Gleasure, the Comhairle’s incoming National Executive Representative.