Cork’s Public Participation Networks (PPNs) have this week issued an invitation to community and voluntary groups in Cork to join their local PPN and help build a better future for the county.
Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around their county and give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities. The call-out comes after a new national brand identity and awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks was launched by Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien.
Each county and city in Ireland has its own PPN – Cork City PPN and Cork County PPN cover Cork’s two local authority areas. Nationally, more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members of a PPN.
Speaking at the launch of the PPNs’ new national brand identity and awareness campaign, Minister O’Brien encouraged volunteer-led group around the country, and particularly young people, to join their local PPN.
“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,” Minister O’Brien said.
“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,” he said.
For further information, the website of every PPN in Ireland can be found at – www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/
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