Ireland’s transport future is being shaped by the people who will use it longest. A new gov.ie update confirms that the National Youth Assembly on Transport Summary Report has been published, bringing together young people’s priorities for better public services, accessibility and safer travel nationwide.
Issued by the Department of Transport, the report records feedback from 58 delegates aged 12 to 24 who took part in the National Youth Assembly on Transport 2025. The process gave young people from across Ireland a direct role in discussing how national and local transport policy should evolve, with recommendations now feeding into wider government thinking on Transport, Education, Health, Social Protection and Children/Disability/Equality.
gov.ie report highlights youth priorities on Transport
The National Youth Assembly of Ireland is coordinated by the department responsible for Children/Disability/Equality with support from the National Participation Office. According to gov.ie, this transport-focused gathering marked two firsts: it was the first Youth Assembly dedicated entirely to transport and the first thematic assembly initiated at the request of delegates in collaboration with a government department.
Held in November 2025, the assembly used workshops and group discussions to identify practical issues affecting young people’s daily mobility. Delegates focused on four core themes:
- Public Transport
- Accessibility
- School Transport
- Active Travel
From those discussions, the group produced 17 recommendations. The final summary report captures both the proposals and the wider concerns raised by young people across Ireland about affordability, reliability, inclusion and connectivity.
What ministers said about the findings
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said youth voices should remain central to the design, delivery and monitoring of transport policies and services. Minister Norma Foley also welcomed the report, linking it to growing youth participation in Government decision-making. Minister of State Seán Canney described the assembly as an important forum for practical solutions, while Minister of State Jerry Buttimer praised the delegates’ enthusiasm and contribution.
That message aligns with a broader public service approach seen across gov.ie and agencies such as the National Transport Authority (NTA), Road Safety Authority (RSA), Health Service Executive (HSE), Revenue Commissioners and Citizens Information Board, where consultation increasingly shapes service planning.
Read more: latest Ireland breaking government policy updates | Irish public transport and national news analysis
Why the National Youth Assembly on Transport Summary Report matters
The publication matters because it gives policymakers a clear snapshot of how younger people experience the transport system. For many families, access to dependable buses, rail links, walking routes and school transport affects participation in Education, Further and Higher Education, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and community life.
The report also lands at a time when several state bodies and departments are working across related areas, including Climate Action, Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Justice and Rural and Community Development. Better transport planning can influence safety, emissions, cost of living and regional access to services.
Key policy themes likely to draw attention
- Accessibility: stronger inclusion for disabled passengers and easier journey planning.
- School transport: better alignment with student needs and local demand.
- Public transport quality: improved frequency, affordability and reliability.
- Active travel: safer walking and cycling options for younger users.
For departments, local authorities and bodies such as the NTA, these youth recommendations may help inform future planning, consultation and service design.
Explore more: best Ireland infrastructure, mobility and policy feature stories | top Irish transport reform and public service headlines
What happens next
The gov.ie publication does not present the assembly as a symbolic exercise; instead, it creates a formal record of youth input on a major policy area. That matters for accountability. As Government, the Department of the Taoiseach and Transport-related agencies review future priorities, the National Youth Assembly on Transport Summary Report provides a ready-made evidence base grounded in lived experience.
The clearest takeaway is simple: when young people are invited into policymaking, they offer practical ideas that reach far beyond slogans. The National Youth Assembly on Transport Summary Report now gives Ireland a detailed, youth-led reference point for building a transport system that is safer, more accessible and more responsive to communities nationwide.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
