Minister Canney addresses 3rd National Public Participation Network Annual Conference
- Published on: 11 October 2019
- Last updated on: 11 April 2025
Mr Seán Canney TD, Item was unpublished or removed , yesterday addressed the third National Public Participation Network Conference held in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel, Carlow. The two-day event was hosted by Carlow Public Participation Network (PPN), in conjunction with Carlow County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the National PPN Advisory Group.
The Conference was attended by a wide range of individuals, representing PPNs throughout the country, local authority officials, elected representatives and others who support the work of the Network.
In his address, Minister Canney referred to the outstanding work carried out by PPNs to date on behalf of communities, considering the reasonably short time they have been in existence. At the end of 2018, membership of PPNs had grown to some 15,000 organisations, an increase of 16% in comparison to 2017.
Minister Canney reiterated to participants the principle and importance of citizen engagement:
“Our combined efforts lie in the belief that our families, friends and neighbours have a right to have their say in decisions that affect them and the wellbeing of their communities.”
The Minister continued by saying:
“We each must do what we can to ensure the concept of citizen engagement not only succeeds, but thrives. We need to consider the many people we can empower. Those whose voices need to be heard on local and national policy issues that have a direct, and at times, an indirect effect on their lives.”
The Minister also highlighted the importance of volunteering for PPNs and referred to the new Volunteering Strategy currently being drafted. This strategy will provide a vision for and recognition to, the strong volunteering culture in Ireland.
Referring to the wide and diverse range of people attending the Conference, the Minister highlighted the importance of a partnership approach in developing better civic engagement.
He also referred to the linkages between PPNs and the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Both are about communities and the issues that affect both which need to be addressed”, he said.
This year’s conference, which had a varied and interesting agenda of workshops and talks, included site trips to a number of locations around Carlow. Delegates met with local community organisations that are involved in and empowered by their PPN, local authority and other agencies.
The Minister congratulated Carlow PPN, Carlow County Council and the National PPN Advisory Group and for their work in organising this important event.
Ends
Editors Notes:
About PPNs
A Public Participation Network (PPN) is a network that allows local authorities to connect with community groups around the country.
The PPN is the 'go to' for all local authorities who wish to benefit from community and voluntary expertise in their area.
How PPNs work
Community groups register to join the PPN in their local authority area.
PPNs give citizens a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities. This allows diverse views and interests to be considered as part of the decision making process of local government.