Report shows over 15k Voluntary Groups Registered with the Public Participation Networks in 2019
15,600 voluntary groups registered with the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) in 2019.
This is one of the highpoints in the fourth Annual Report on the Public Participation Networks , which were established to facilitate active citizen participation in policymaking at local authority level.
The report provides a positive reflection of the variety of work done as well as showing continued growth throughout the country.
PPNs are continuing to have a positive relationship with local authorities and are collaborating on a number of projects. For example, they are raising awareness of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and influencing policy to assist in achieving them at a local level.
Other PPNs are using their member groups’ experience to help local authorities improve accessibility for people with disabilities and dementia and to help people from marginalised communities to sit on local authority boards. The 2019 Annual Report highlights further examples of PPN activities and impacts.
Speaking about the launch of the annual report the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Mr. Joe O’Brien TD, said: “This report shows that PPNs are having the desired impact and have achieved a huge amount in the short space of time since they were founded in 2014. The report also shows that there were 15,599 voluntary groups registered with the Network in 2019. At a national level, 928 PPN representatives gave volunteer-led groups a voice on 424 local authority boards or committees. This clearly demonstrates that PPNs are growing in strength.”
Regarding the increase in membership, Minister O’Brien added: “These figures are a great indicator of the vibrancy and energy of the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, especially at a local level, and the role played by PPNs in local policy making and networking.”
The Public Participation Network 2019 Annual Report is now published.