Minister launches Teenspace.ie at the Computer Clubhouse
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews TD, today launched www.teenspace.ie, a new website providing information about activities and facilities for teenagers all over the country. Speaking at the launch, Minister Andrews said: ‘this launch marks the completion of the first phase of development of the site, which has information on gigs, youth cafés, sport, arts, outdoor activities and much, much more’.
Minister Andrew’s Office (Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs) funded the development of this site in response to the delegates at Dáil na nÓg (2006-2007), who voted as their top priority the establishment of a national website on activities and facilities for young people. ‘The creation of www.teenspace.ie is evidence of the Government’s commitment to listening to children and young people and taking their concerns seriously’ stated Minister Andrews.
Young people from the Dáil na nÓg Council undertook research on teenagers’ experiences of using the web. Their research revealed that sourcing internet information on teen recreation facilities is time consuming, with little relevant information on local events. ‘I am confident that www.teenspace.ie will make it easier for young people to get information on recreational opportunities’ he added.
The launch was hosted by teenagers Jade McNeill, a member of the Children and Young People’s Forum of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA), and Louise Nolan, a member of the South West Inner City Network (SWICN) Computer Clubhouse. ‘This new site is a great idea for teenagers. You can check for things to do and you can find clubs to join’ said Jade McNeill. Louise Nolan added ‘we will be able to use www.teenspace.ie to let other teenagers know about what we are doing in the Computer Clubhouse’.
www.teenspace.ie is at an early stage of development, because providing a comprehensive database of events, activities and recreation services for young people aged 10 to 18 in each county, and under each category, is a challenging task. ‘We can build www.teenspace.ie into a top-class site if service providers register to promote their activities or clubs. I urge them to support the site. Registration is free and a great opportunity to promote activities and facilities’ continued Minister Andrews.
Teenagers were involved in all aspects of development of www.teenspace.ie, including the selection of contractors, design concept and content. Members of the Dáil na nÓg Council and the OMCYA Children and Young People’s Forum have formed a user group, which will continue to be involved in improving the site.
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) developed the site on behalf of and in co-operation with the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA). The Minister thanked the NYCI for its role in developing the site and all contractors and companies involved in the development and design of www.teenspace.ie. ‘I would like to conclude by thanking the staff and young members of the Computer Clubhouse for collaborating with my Office in planning and hosting this launch’ said Minister Andrews.