Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board’s Local Creative Youth Partnership launched its 2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan as part of the Call & Response Creative Youth Festival, recently. The event marked a major milestone in the partnership’s commitment to empowering young people through creativity, education, and wellbeing.
Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport attended the official launch in beautiful sunshine at Coláiste Íde agus Iosef Community College in Abbeyfeale, where he was welcomed by Principal Liam Murphy, school staff, and students. During the visit, the Minister emphasised the importance of young people, particularly during a time of political uncertainty and global challenges and spoke about how young creatives are crucial in providing a guiding light with their imagination and resilience helping to navigate the future and shape a more hopeful, inclusive world.
Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive of Limerick and Clare ETB, praised the Minister and the welcomed therecent decision under the Programme for Government to bring responsibility for Youth under the Department of Education: “This move provides a great opportunity to link formal education with informal learning experiences, ensuring that young people’s full educational journey is supported. Minister O’Donovan’s commitment to investing in the development of our youth is clear, and we are deeply grateful for the support being given to help young people thrive both creatively and academically.”
Liam Murphy, Principal, Coláiste Íde agus Iosef Community College; Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools, Limerick and Clare ETB; Keearagh Welch, Declan Kelly, and Emma Buckley who attend the LCYP Creative Hub in Abbeyfeale; Bernadette Cullen, Chief Executive, Limerick and Clare ETB; Minister Patrick O’Donovan TD; and Zara Starr Madden, LCYP Coordinator, Limerick and Clare ETB.
Limerick and Clare ETB established one of six, national Local Creative Youth Partnerships (LCYPs) in 2019, under the auspices of Creative Ireland’s Creative Youth initiative. The Local Creative Youth Partnership Strategic Plan 2025-2027 aims to create more opportunities for young people to express themselves, support their educational journeys, and prioritise mental and emotional wellbeing. This is something Zara Starr Madden, LCYP Co-ordinator, is deeply passionate about: “We’re incredibly excited to launch this plan, which reflects our deep commitment to nurturing young people’s creative potential. Creativity is a fundamental human right and an essential tool for personal growth, education, and community engagement. This plan sets out an ambitious path to increase access to high-quality creative opportunities, while also supporting youth-led initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration.”
The new strategy was launched as part of the Call & Response Creative Youth Festival. The festival was designed by young people and showcased young artists in disciplines like visual arts, music, digital media, and fashion. Highlights included workshops, performances, and exhibitions, all fostering self-expression and community connection. The hall at Coláiste Íde agus Iosef was decorated for the launch with multiple art pieces, creating the perfect backdrop.
Seamus Bane,Youth Officer, Limerick and Clare ETB, Zara Starr Madden,LCYP Coordinator, Limerick and Clare ETB, Youth Information & Support Officer Liz Roche, Youth Officers Cora Foley and Martin Duhig, Michelle Manning, Limerick Youth Service and Youth worker Mary Ryan Rose, Limerick and Clare ETB.
Coláiste Íde agus Iosef students Keearagh Welch, Declan Kelly, and Emma Buckley, who attend the LCYP Creative Hub at the school, one of three hubs just launched across the region, also spoke passionately at the launch about their experiences and their love of film, art, and music. Their heartfelt testimonies highlighted how these creative outlets have allowed them to express themselves and gain a deeper sense of purpose and confidence.
The launch of the Strategic Plan marks a key milestone for the Local Creative Youth Partnership, ensuring young voices are heard and celebrated. Through partnerships with schools, Departments, local authorities and community organisations, the initiative aims to equip young people with the tools they need to explore their potential and thrive.
For more details on the LCYP strategy visit www.lcyp.ie or contact lcyp@lcetb.ie.
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