Inclusion

reminders of the number of participants and how that impacts outcomes might be worth a try. ● People of DLR invited to public debates on issues. ● Meetings with local politicians and Councillors.

Encourage people to take part in democracy and participation.

● Regular voting encouraged. ● All people should be encouraged to take an active part in their communities and local democracy. ● Vote education classes and helping people engage and register to vote. ● Continue opportunities for participation by residents and publicise these more widely as many do not currently know what is available to them. ● A place where people want to get involved in their local community and see positive role models. ● Emphasis on local and regional needs and with active participation by informed electorate.

Inclusion

Inclusion of youth in decision making

● Inclusion is a major concern and desire. ● It is important to include the youth in the discussion about issues such as pedestrianisation of main street, as young people were not included in the discussion. ● It would be important to have a student body representative as part of DLR County council made out of a representative of each school willing to work with DLR. ● Very diverse communities and not everyone is online so it is more difficult to include everyone in groups & initiatives. ● Take lead from community and ask the community what they need. ● Listening to the community that speaks directly to the community e.g. older people needed social outlets, food drops, kids summer projects. ● A safe space and supports for the young LGBTQ+ community. ● An inclusive model of democracy with an emphasis on community leadership. ● Local councils/ committees representing smaller areas and women are more encouraged to be involved in local decision making.

Youth ● Giving young people a greater voice in decision making. ● Support more youth groups/ Comhairle na nOg etc. in the area. ● More direct democracy and a place where citizens feel empowered (look at local governance in other EU countries e.g. Denmark). ● A local forum for youth to answer these questions in our community. ● Local fora should be made up of a selection of independent locals and designated

participants, who can bring up the interests of the community to the forefront.