Mock council meeting for Carrickfergus students

Young people from Carrickfergus have taken their seats in the Council Chamber at The Braid, Ballymena.
Pupils taking part in a mock council.Pupils taking part in a mock council.
Pupils taking part in a mock council.

Around 40 Year 11 pupils engaged in a special mock council meeting, debating on a number of topics in a special agenda.

The event was organised as part of an overall Mid and East Antrim programme of Schools Youth Engagement Projects led through Council’s Community Planning and Development Service.

Representing post-primary schools Carrickfergus College; Carrickfergus Grammar; Downshire and Ulidia Integrated College, pupils participated in a programme of activities which also looked at the role of Council, the role of councillors, as well as learning how council strikes the rate and prioritises services. Councillor Billy Ashe, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for Council to engage directly with young people from our borough. As well as hearing these young students speak out so ably in the mock council meeting, councillors also had the opportunity to meet and talk with our young people face to face.

“I hope these activities have enabled them to learn more about the democratic process and the role of civic leadership within Mid and East Antrim Borough,” he said.

Carrickfergus College pupil, Katie Pegg, said: “I enjoyed the day because it was educational and informative about careers for the future in the council sector. I specifically enjoyed the Mock Council Meeting as everyone was included.”