Minister Joe O’Brien Launches New Public Awareness Campaign for Public Participation Networks (PPNs)
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Integration, Joe O’Brien, has launched a new national awareness campaign to encourage community groups to join their local Public Participation Networks (PPNs).
Public Participation Networks allow local authorities to connect with community groups around the country and give people a greater say in local government decisions that affect their communities.
Each county and city in Ireland has its own PPN and more than 18,000 community and voluntary groups are currently members.
Speaking at an event to launch a new national awareness campaign for Public Participation Networks, Minister O’Brien 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.”