Students from eight secondary schools across Northern Ireland will be debating the motion This House believes that the well-being of society would be improved by greater use of public transport at the Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition quarter finals this week and next.

Translink who is supporting this initiative through its Life’s Better campaign is seeking to engage with the students and foster discussion and debate around the attributes of passenger transport.

Phillip Woods, Translink Service Delivery Manager commented, “We are delighted to be sponsoring this debate and are encouraged to see that so many students are passionate about passenger transport and the benefits it can offer in terms of sustainability, cost savings and time. 

“By actively engaging with 16-18 year olds, we are encouraging young people to rethink their travel decisions and embrace the many benefits it has to offer, especially as they progress through their education and into the world or work.  We would like to wish each team the very best in the competition as they debate the motion.”

Shane Quinn from Belfast Buildings Trust, organisers of this competition continued, “The Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition was founded in 1993. Over the intervening 21 years, the Competition has encouraged active civic participation and mature debate on some of the major issues facing Northern Ireland. Encouraging young people to develop their citizenship skills is important for a confident and prosperous society.

“I would like to thank Translink for supporting the quarter finals of this competition and I am looking forward to seeing the schools go head to head in what is sure to be a lively and engaging debate.”

The schools competing in the quarter finals are:- Tuesday 4th March –Bangor Grammar School vs Belfast High School- Thursday 6th March  - St. Colman’s College (Newry) vs Royal School & Campbell College (Belfast) vs Cross & Passion College (Ballycastle)

- Tuesday 11th March –Dalriada School (Ballymoney) vs RBAI – Former St. Patrick’s School

The final of the competition will take place in April in the Senate Chamber of Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

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For further information please contact Louise Carson at Aiken PR on 028 9066 3000

Daily Paper Caption

Students from Bangor Grammar and Belfast High go head to head at the Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition as they discuss the motion This House believes that the well-being of society would be improved by greater use of public transport.

The quarter finals which are being supported by Translink through its Life’s better campaign are seeking to foster discussion and debate around the attributes of passenger transport. Eight schools from across Northern Ireland are participating in the competition, with the finals taking place in April.