Knockevin School Council Visits Council Chamber

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin was pleased to welcome pupils from Knockevin School Council to the Council Chamber in Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick.

The young student councillors were keen to learn more about how their Council works and what role the Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin plays as First Citizen.

Councillor Mark Murnin said, “I was delighted to welcome the young people from Knockevin School to Downpatrick Civic Centre. This was a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about the Council’s departments, different aspects of Council as well as schemes and programmes that the Council runs.

“I was particularly interested to learn that two of the students travelled to Stormont for International Women’s Day, and one was invited to speak on the prominent issue of gender equality. I think it is commendable that these young people have taken steps forward to shape their own future.

“Visits like this help the students to learn about and understand the civic role the Council plays. I was also pleased the we could take this opportunity to highlight some of the initiatives that are aimed at improving lifestyle and health of all citizens.”

The young people spent time in the Council Chamber concentrating on issues that were important to them, including dog fouling, littering, and recycling, and discussed how Council addresses these matters. They thoroughly enjoyed debating ideas that would improve their local area in the Council Chamber and participated in a mini meeting with the Chairman about the Council’s health initiatives such the ‘Daily Mile Scheme’ and the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’.