Longford PPN membership reaches 700 as community voices shape the county's future
Longford PPN plenary meetings brought together community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups from all three Municipal Districts - Longford, Granard and Ballymahon
County Longford Public Participation Network (PPN) recently welcomed members from across the county to a series of Municipal District Plenaries in Granard, Ballymahon and Longford.
The meetings brought together community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups from all three Municipal Districts to hear updates on key initiatives, share experiences and discuss opportunities to strengthen community participation in local decision-making.
Longford PPN Coordinator Siobhan Cronogue provided members with an update on the work of the PPN and the opportunities available for groups to become more involved in shaping policies and services that impact their communities.
A key focus of the meetings was the development of the new Digital Longford: Beyond 2030 Strategy, with members hearing from Danny Lynch, Head of IT and Innovation with Longford County Council in Granard and Ballymahon and Cian Mc Govern in Longford. Danny and Cian outlined the opportunities and challenges facing communities as technology continues to evolve and encouraged members to play an active role in shaping Longford's digital future.
Addressing members, Danny Lynch said: "Technology is changing how we access services, communicate, learn and do business. The challenge is to ensure nobody is left behind. Community groups are at the heart of that conversation because they understand the realities facing people on the ground. The Digital Longford: Beyond 2030 Strategy is an opportunity for communities to help shape how technology can support inclusion, improve services and create opportunities for everyone in County Longford."
Danny also highlighted the growing importance of broadband infrastructure, digital inclusion, cyber security and artificial intelligence, noting that the choices made today will influence how communities live and work well into the future.
Members also heard from Janine Bartley, Coordinator of the Longford Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), who outlined plans for the development of the new County Longford Community Safety Plan 2026 - 2028 and encouraged members to participate in the upcoming public consultation process. Janine stressed the importance of community involvement in shaping the next phase of community safety initiatives across the county.
"Community safety is everyone's business. We want to hear from people living in every part of Longford about what makes them feel safe, what challenges they face and what solutions they believe will make a difference. The experiences and knowledge within our communities are essential to creating a Community Safety Plan that reflects local needs and delivers meaningful action."
Janine also highlighted the achievements of the Longfond Community Safety Partnership.
A particular milestone celebrated during the plenaries was the continued growth of the network, with PPN membership now reaching 700 registered organisations across County Longford.Speaking after the meetings, Siobhán Cronogue praised the work being carried out by community groups throughout the county.
"The commitment shown by voluntary groups across the county is remarkable. Every community benefits from people who give their time freely to improve the lives of others. From sports clubs and residents' associations to environmental groups, social inclusion projects and cultural organisations, these groups help make Longford a better place to live,work, visit, socialise, bring up a family and grow old in.”
The PPN is encouraging members and the wider public to continue making their voices heard by participating in two important consultations currently underway if you have not already done so .
The Digital Longford: Beyond 2030 Survey remains open and seeks views on broadband, digital services, technology, inclusion and the future digital development of the county. Meanwhile, the County Longford Community Safety Plan Consultation is now underway, with surveys, public meetings and focus groups taking place throughout the county. The consultation will help identify priorities and actions for the next Community Safety Plan and ensure that local voices remain at the heart of creating safer and more inclusive communities.
Special thanks to PPN Secretariat members Tess Murphy and Mary Toher for chairing the plenaries, Library Services for providing the meeting spaces and the professionalism of their staff, Amy Leavy for registration and raffle, Courtney Corcoran for the support with community safety, Roisin Moffet for the delicious refreshment and Shelley Corcoran for the photography.