Leitrim Public Participation Network calls for more community groups to have their say

Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN) has issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Leitrim to join Leitrim PPN and help build a better future for the county.

The call-out comes as a new national brand identity and awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks was launched recently by Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien in Dublin.

Each county and city in Ireland have its own PPN. Leitrim PPN is one of 31 PPNs that have been established in all local authority areas in the State, and its membership stands at 361 organisations. Nationally, more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members of a PPN.

Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around their county. PPNs give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities.

Lar Power, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council explains “The PPN structure offer Local Authorities a way to collaborate directly with community and voluntary groups, who give so freely of their time to contribute to making their communities the best that they can be.

 ”Leitrim PPN plays an important role in developing our key policies and strategies within the Local Authority by sitting on a number of committees such as SPCs, JPC and PEACEPLUS Partnership committee and being involved in consultation on Strategies such as Leitrim Recreation Strategy 2022-2031 and Leitrim Economic and Community Plan 2023-2029.

“ Leitrim County Council and Leitrim PPN work collaboratively to ensure that PPN members are kept informed of all funding streams available to community and voluntary groups in the County.  We also work together on activities such as annual Love Where You Live Awards.

“This campaign will boost the profiles of PPNs, which is well-deserved in light of their work.  I would encourage all community and voluntary groups in the County to join your PPN and avail of the many benefits of being a PPN member”.

“We in Leitrim Development Company are delighted to be hosting the Leitrim PPN and seeing it up and running again for the benefit of the community groups in County Leitrim. Whenever the local authority and other agencies needs representative from the community to participate in consultations or sit on the committees that form policies it will call on the PPN to select these people by holding elections from amongst its members.  

“It does not cost anything to register with the PPN and we encourage all eligible voluntary, community and environmental groups to register.  They circulate an e bulletin to registered member groups every two weeks with invaluable information on funding, training and community news. The purpose of the PPN is to allow registered groups to give input and have their voices heard within the formal decision-making structures of the council and other bodies,” said Chris Gonley CEO of LDCo.

Jan Melia from The Organic Centre in Rossinver who is a member of Leitrim PPN, said: “As a member of the PPN the Organic Centre hears the latest news and views from organisations across Leitrim and is able to network with a wide range of groups.

“ The time allocated to the PPN is invaluable and as Manager I would encourage groups to get involved in the PPN to make sure that they can share their views on the local area, environment and economy. The PPN connects members to community and regional events and activities, like the Love Where you Live Awards developed and delivered in conjunction with Leitrim County Council. Since joining the PPN the Centre is better connected, and we have access to new opportunities and information. All groups are invited to get involved and join the PPN.”

Teresa O'Callaghan, Manager/Administrator of Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage Group & St George's Heritage & Visitor Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon said “Carrick-on-Shannon Heritage Group has been a member of the Leitrim PPN since 2014 and we have been pleased with the support, training courses and opportunities to meet other PPN groups and members of community & voluntary groups several times per year. We have hosted several events and consultations involving the PPN.”

Mary Mc Keon Leitrim PPN Resource Worker added “Leitrim PPN hold two plenary meetings a year, they are an opportunity for PPN member groups to meet, network and have a say on the work of the PPN.

“We offer free training courses for members; share information on funding, grants and proposals or decisions being made in the county.

“We want our PPN to be representative of the people of Leitrim in all their diversity, and invite all community and voluntary groups in the county to visit our website and follow Leitrim PPN on social media for the latest community news. We look forward to the website being re-developed this year, linkage groups set up and re-registration of all groups.”

Speaking at the launch of the PPNs’ new national brand identity and awareness campaign, Minister O’Brien encouraged volunteer-led groups around the country, and particularly young people, to join their local PPN.

He said: “Public Participation Networks give communities across Ireland a voice in local decision-making and bring valuable on-the-ground, experience and expertise into local and national policy development”

“The strength and impact of PPNs can be seen in how they represented volunteers and community groups within the responses to Covid-19, working with local authorities and state agencies.

“Through local action, PPNs also contribute to policymaking at national level, such as the development of the Climate Action Plan 2021, when PPNs hosted and facilitated important local community conversations around the country.”

PPNs play an important role in developing our key policies and strategies, and each Local Authority provides considerable support to their local PPNs in recognition of this.

This campaign will boost the profiles of PPNs, which is well-deserved in light of their work.”

Leitrim PPN is funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and Leitrim County Council and hosted by Leitrim Development Company in Drumshanbo.

Further information www.leitrimppn.ie and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/leitrimppn