Louth students quiz Tánaiste at Dáil-style youth forum in Dunleer
Young people from across County Louth had their opportunity to put Tánaiste Simon Harris to the test as he took part in a Dáil-style Leaders’ Questions session in Dunleer.
The Tánaiste was the keynote guest at the “I Am the Future” Louth Youth Forum, held at the Lann Leire Pavilion, where more than 200 student council members from 14 secondary schools across the county gathered to debate issues affecting young people.
The event was organised by local TD Deputy Paula Butterly and was designed to give students a direct platform to voice their concerns in a formal parliamentary-style setting.
During the session, students questioned the Tánaiste on a wide range of topics, including the ongoing housing crisis and its impact on young people, access to mental health services, education reform and exam pressure, and the future of the Irish language. Other issues raised included regulation around vaping, youth health and wellbeing, and how young people can have a greater say in politics and public life.
Speaking after the event, the Tánaiste said: "That was one of the most impressive events I have taken part in. These young people were sharp, passionate, well-informed and unafraid to challenge. They asked me about everything from housing and mental health to the Mercosur trade deal and Leaving Cert reform.”
"This is exactly the kind of engagement we need more of. I want to commend Deputy Butterly for organising this forum and every single student who stood up and had their say today. We need to listen to young people; they are the future and every thought they have is extremely valuable to us in Government."
During the visit to Louth the Tánaiste also held a meeting with Fine Gael Councillors Rachel Kerley, John Reilly, Robert Nash, Ejiro O'Hare Stratton and Anne-Marie Ford at Enzio's Café in Dunleer, where he heard directly about local priorities including housing, healthcare and town centre regeneration.
The Tánaiste then visited the Avourwen housing development on the Platin Road in Drogheda, where a total of 663 new homes are being delivered by Manley Homes, funded through Home Building Finance Ireland.
To date, 425 homes have been completed and a further 76 are under construction, including 30 apartments recently handed over to Meath County Council and 50 apartments being developed for Oaklee Housing. The Tánaiste and Minister Cummins formally turned the sod on the next phase of the development.
"This is housing delivery in action. A family-run business from Duleek, with 32 staff, has delivered 425 homes on this site and is still going. That is exactly the kind of builder we set up HBFI to support, small and medium developers who are building homes in towns right across the country,” said the Tánaiste.
He added: "Since 2019, HBFI has approved over €3.3 billion in funding, supporting nearly 17,000 homes across 25 counties. 82% of those loans are for €20 million or less."
Tánaiste Simon Harris TD and Minister of State John Cummins TD at sod turning at the Avourwen housing development & photo of Tánaiste Simon Harris TD and Deputy Paula Butterly TD with students from the Louth Youth Forum.
See Why The XC40 is So Affordable (View Offers)
Average Cost To Rent A Private Jet May Surprise You! (Take A Look)
The Secret Habit of the World's Richest Person – I Tried It for a Month
See The EVs With The Longest Ranges For 2027 (Take A Look)
The World's Richest Person Has One Secret Habit. I Tried It for 30 Days.
Nature Trail: The Northern Fulmar – notorious for using projectile vomit as a defence
Ghosts, fire and Samhain magic to transform Ardee as Ferdia Festival returns
€100,000 Amazon grants programme returns to support Drogheda organisations breaking down creative industry barriers
Louth councillor calls for coastal manager at harbours and beaches amid anti-social behaviour concerns
Halloween events in Louth 2026: Your spooky season, midterm and bank holiday guide.