Leitrim PPN leads dialogue on community resilience at national event

Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN), in collaboration with Laois and Tipperary PPNs, hosted a landmark National PPN Event on Thursday, July 17, at the Midlands Park Hotel in Laois, welcoming delegates from 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across Ireland.

Themed ‘Building Community Resilience for Times of Emergency’, the gathering marked a milestone in national collaboration and community development. 

The event aimed to foster networking, share knowledge, identify challenges, and develop collaborative solutions to strengthen the resilience of communities across Ireland during times of crisis.

A series of interactive workshops, all aligned with the central theme, were facilitated by professional consultant Harriet Emerson, who guided discussions and knowledge exchange throughout the day.

This initiative received national support from Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, as well as the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG).

The organising committee, comprising representatives from Leitrim, Laois, and Tipperary PPNs, extended heartfelt thanks to all delegates who contributed their insights and experiences to the workshops.

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Brian Smyth, a member of the Leitrim PPN Secretariat, delivered a presentation on the impact of recent storms in Leitrim and the role Leitrim PPN played in the response. 

Brian Smyth, Secretariat Member Leitrim PPN

Earlier this year, Leitrim PPN hosted a public meeting in Ballinamore, ironically, the evening before Storm Éowyn, which drew almost 150 attendees. 

A second meeting was held in Killargue in February, where residents came together to prepare for future storm-related power outages.

The meetings emphasised that a strong community voice must be central to any structure or committee set up to address such issues.

The Leitrim Supports and Services Map, available on the Leitrim PPN website and developed in collaboration with stakeholders during the Covid-19 pandemic, was highlighted at the national event as a valuable resource. 

Also noted was the frequency of communication from Leitrim PPN to its member groups, such as sharing updates on funding, training opportunities, consultations, submissions, surveys, community news, and local events.

The active participation of delegates played a crucial role in the event's success and reinforced the vital role PPNs serve in supporting communities during emergencies.

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Public Participation Networks, both locally and nationally, are officially recognized by the Government as the voice of the community. 

PPNs across Ireland continue to be acknowledged as essential pillars of support and communication in times of crisis, demonstrating the power of grassroots collaboration and preparedness.

PPNs nationally also acknowledged the work of their local County Councils during emergencies and emphasised that a collaborative approach is key moving forward.

A comprehensive report from the national event will be presented in due course to relevant stakeholders and to the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.