The gov.ie publication of The National Youth Assembly on Transport 2025 – Summary Report puts young voices at the centre of Ireland’s transport debate. The new report shows how the National Youth Assembly created a formal space for young people to influence policy on issues that shape daily life, from getting to school and work to accessing services, sport and social activities.
Published by the Department of Transport on 22 July 2026, the summary report captures discussions held during the Assembly in November 2025 at Miesian Plaza in Dublin. It highlights a clear message: transport policy cannot be future-ready unless it listens to the people who rely on it most for education, independence and opportunity.
gov.ie report highlights youth priorities on transport
The gov.ie report explains that the National Youth Assembly on Transport was designed to ensure young people have a real say in decisions affecting their everyday mobility. This matters across Ireland, but especially for those in rural communities, disabled young people and households facing financial pressure.
The Assembly forms part of the wider National Youth Assembly of Ireland process, coordinated by Comhairle na nÓg and established by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. While transport had been raised in earlier assemblies covering Climate Action, Rural and Community Development and artificial intelligence, this was the first Assembly dedicated entirely to transport.
It was also notable as the first thematic Assembly proactively requested by delegates in direct collaboration with a government department, underlining a more participatory approach to policymaking across Transport, Education, Health and Social Protection related access issues.
Four themes shaped the discussion
The gov.ie summary report says delegates focused on four core themes:
- Public Transport
- Accessibility
- School Transport
- Active Travel
These areas connect closely with the work of bodies such as the National Transport Authority (NTA), Road Safety Authority (RSA), Health Service Executive (HSE) and local authorities working across Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
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Why the National Youth Assembly matters for Ireland
The gov.ie publication points to transport as more than an infrastructure issue. For young people, it is directly linked to equality, inclusion and participation. Reliable and affordable mobility affects access to school, jobs, apprenticeships, healthcare, culture and community life.
That makes the findings relevant not only to the Department of Transport, but also to agencies and departments connected to Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Further and Higher Education, Justice, Public Expenditure, and the Department of the Taoiseach. Data-led policymaking may also draw on organisations such as the CSO, HIQA, Tusla, Revenue Commissioners and Citizens Information Board when assessing how transport barriers intersect with wider public services.
Seventeen recommendations were submitted
According to the report, delegates developed 17 recommendations through workshops and group discussions. These were presented on the day to Minister of State Jerry Buttimer. The recommendations reflect concerns raised by young people nationwide and provide a detailed snapshot of what they believe needs to improve in the Irish transport system.
Although the summary source does not list every recommendation in the announcement itself, the report makes clear that affordability, accessibility and practical daily travel needs were central to the conversation.
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What happens next after the gov.ie publication?
The release of this gov.ie report gives policymakers, public agencies and advocacy groups a record of what young people want from Ireland’s transport future. For institutions including the National Transport Authority (NTA), An Garda Síochána, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the report provides practical insight into how mobility shapes safety, access and opportunity.
In short, the gov.ie summary report is not just a record of one event. It is a signal that youth participation is becoming a more visible part of public decision-making in Ireland. The key takeaway is simple: if Ireland wants a fairer, safer and more connected transport system, young people must remain part of the conversation.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
