Press Releases

29 April 1998
JOHN KEARNS TO ORCHESTRATE YOUTH CONFERENCES

TV presenter John Kearns is hoping to strike the right chord in efforts to attract young people to conferences in Belfast and Londonderry next month.

The youth conferences, to be held at Belfast's Spires Conference Centre on 11 May and at Derry's Broomhill Hotel on 12 May are part of the Department of the Environment's 'Shaping our Future' consultation exercise.

The voice of young people has not featured strongly in the 200 written submissions which have been received to date and the conferences aim to ensure that the views of the 17-25 year-old age group are heard.

These will then be considered before publication of the 25-year strategic framework.for planning within the region, which itself will be the subject of further consultation.

It is expected that the presence of John Kearns will encourage young people to put their views on the record. Not only is he a star of MTV, Channel 5 and UTV he is also a music columnist in the Belfast Telegraph and was one of Cool FM's original DJs.

John said: "Northern Ireland will always be home to me and although I don't live there any more I still retain a strong interest in what goes on.

"The DOE's 'Shaping Our Future' exercise is a genuine attempt to consult with the people of Northern Ireland about issues of importance such as housing, employment, the environment and transport.

"It is vital that the voice of young people is heard loud and clear in any consultation which takes place and I am delighted to be hosting what I hope will be two very lively days of debate and discussion

"This is an important and quite unique opportunity for young people to have a say in a Government policy process which will affect not only our futures, but also our children's."

The Youth Conferences run from 10.30am to 4.00pm each day, with a number of workshops included to ensure feedback on topics such as rural living, the environment, economy and employment, housing, transport and urban living.

Attendance is free, lunch is included, and Translink are providing a limited number of free travel vouchers, but early booking is essential.

For further information and for booking a place call Freephone 0500 340306.