Declan Burgess
Declan Burgess (born 23 June 1995) is a young Irish community activist. Declan started off his activism as a Comhairle na nÓg member in South Tipperary and later served as the youth council's Chairperson from October 2012 – 2013.
Declan completed his second-level education in Cashel Community School, Cashel, Co. Tipperary. He was active in all aspects of school life and played a key role in volunteering with school programmes.
Declan served on the National Students Executive of the Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU). He first began his ISSU journey as the Deputy President for 2013/14 and had a successful and enjoyable term. He was elected International officer of ISSU for 2014/15 term. Declan has passion for ISSU, commitment to OBESSU and dedication to student voice in Ireland & Europe. Declan's current role with ISSU is liaising with our European counterparts on various Education issues. Declan's priority is ensure education is at a high standard for all.
Declan joined Fine Gael and the autonomous youth wing, YFG at the age of 15. He served as Secretary of Tipperary South YFG from April 2012- March 2014. Declan later went on to be Chairman of his local branch (March 2014-October 2014), he subsequently resigned as chairman of Tipperary South to dedicate more time to his role as Chair with Young Fine Gael's Munster Regional Council.
He served as Youth Officer of the Tipperary Fine Gael Constituency Executive 2013/14 and 2014/15. Also, Treasurer of the Young Fine Gael Munster Regional Council (MRC) 2013/14.
Declan has been heavily involved in Young Social Innovators. He was a "Do you want Braille with that?' YSI project member from Cashel Community School. Also, the Chairperson of YSI Advocates Team, Cashel Community School Centre of Social Innovation 2012-13.
Declan has been involved with Tipperary Regional Youth Service (TRYS) from a young age. He went on to serve on TRYS's Board of Management. He resigned from the board in October 2014, as he was moving away from Tipperary to further his academic studies.
Declan is an Arts student in Maynooth University. Declan is also a Bronze and Silver Award recipient of An Gaisce- The Presidents Award. The President's Award is the most prestigious Award in Ireland for young people aged 15 to 25. He is currently working on his Gold award.
He was the winner of the EIL Intercultural Learning Travel Award to Vermont, USA 2013. Being an Irish Delegate at the Governor’s Institute of Vermont on Current Issues and Youth Activism 2013, Declan understands the various education issues from around the world.