PPN Snapshot of the year 2024

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has just released the 'PPN Snapshot of the year 2024'. 

2024 was an important year for the PPNs as it marked the 10th anniversary. 2024 was also a year of broader change and renewal for the Irish political landscape with local, European and national elections held. If we are to ensure there is real and effective monitoring and impact assessment of policy development and implementation using an evidence-based approach at local and national level, we need to promote deliberative democracy and insist on a process of inclusive social dialogue. 

To that end, Local authorities and PPNs work together collaboratively to support communities and build the capacity of member organisations to engage meaningfully on issues of policy that concern them. PPNs have a significant role in the development and education of their member groups on policy, sharing information, promoting best practice and facilitating networking. Local authorities also have a vital role to play in facilitating participation through open consultative processes and active engagement. Building real engagement at local level is a developmental process that requires intensive work, patience and investment.  

The PPN recognises the contribution of volunteer-led organisations to local economic, social, and environmental capital. It facilitates input from these organisations into local government policy. By the end of 2024, over 20,421 community and voluntary, social inclusion, and environmental organisations were members of a PPN. More than 834 PPN representatives were elected to over 341 committees on issues such as strategic policy, local community development, joint policing, and so on. 

Government must adequately resource the Public Participation Network (PPN) structures for participation at Local Authority level and ensure capacity building is an integral part of the process.