In June 2017 all the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across Ireland were asked to complete an Annual Report in respect of its activities in 2016, their first full year of operation. The result of this effort by the PPNs and the relevant local authorities is the Annual Report for 2016. By design, the report captures specific non-personal data and certain indicators relating to the activities of PPNs.
The Work of PPNs at National Level
Minister of State, Sean Kyne, remarked that this report “was itself clear evidence to the tremendous work that has been undertaken by PPNs in such a very short space of time.” PPNs are established in all local authority areas with some 12,000 organisations registered with them by the beginning of 2017. All indications show that this has grown during 2017. In Leitrim this figure rose from 189 groups at the end of 2016 to 245 by Dec. 2017.
Report Recommendations
In summary these include:
- A National Publicity Campaign – promotion, Plain English approach, encouraging engagement, especially in younger people and encouraging agencies to use PPNs for consultation.
- National Co-ordination for PPNs – support, best practice and in tandem with publicity campaign.
- Funding support administration for each Resource Worker.
- Ensure funding is secure for the future so PPNs can plan.
- Review the PPN structures to allow for flexibility for specific urban or rural challenges.
- Enhancing Local Authority capacity with regard to public participation.
- The recommendations will be considered by a National Advisory Group reporting to the Department of Rural & Community Development.
Minister Kyne concluded by saying that “PPNs are the future. They are the main link through which the local authority connects with the community, voluntary, environmental and social inclusion sectors and they are uniquely placed to bring a diversity of voices and interests to the decision-making process.” He went on to encourage organisations that have not yet joined their local PPN to do so as soon as possible “to ensure that their voice is heard and that they play a role in the future development of their Public Participation Network.”
You can view and download the full pdf of the report by clicking HERE.
Please get in touch if you require further copies. Contact Leitrim PPN Resource Worker at info@leitrimppn.ie or by mobile
at 087 183 1253.