Longford local election candidates urged to work with local groups

Extensive consultation with community groups throughout County Longford have resulted in a call for all county councillors to have real and meaningful engagement with local community groups.
They have identified a range of needs and while some are specific to their municipal district across the county there is a demand for more effective communication with their local representatives.

Key themes emerging from the consultation is a lack of information and knowledge about existing initiatives and future plans from the Council. There is real frustration that actions and initiatives commence without clear information, consultation and engagement with local residents and a sense that there is no consideration of the impact on the local community, example of such is current work on Battery Road, Longford town.
Communities have identified the need to utilise existing premises and properties to be developed for community use e.g. training hubs, digital hubs and youth facilities. They noted the need to ensure that all community and public facilities are accessible to all and either free to use or a reasonable community rate applied.

They are also seeking the development of Community Integration Teams in each municipal district to welcome, engage and support new residents to their areas.
Across the county there are concerns for public services and a call to ensure that services – health, waste management, mental health supports, supports for older people – are not only maintained but enhanced.
Further, across the county there is a clear desire to improve the environment and a call for initiatives to support communities to achieve this.

There is a concern about young people and ensuring that there is not only a wide variety of supports and facilities but also initiatives to actively engage them in decision making structures.
Community organisations play a crucial role in ensuring that the voices of all members of society are heard and considered in decision-making processes.

By participating in Public Participation Networks (PPNs), these organisations advocate for the needs and concerns of their communities, contribute valuable local knowledge and expertise, across the voluntary and community, social inclusion and environmental sectors.

Community groups want elected members to acknowledge the value of the hard work done by Longford PPN and all its member community groups by securing improved resources with additional staff and appointments made at higher grades in recognition of the work being done, and with increased network funding.
PPN groups are also represented on key decision-making bodies of the county council. County Longford PPN community groups recently met in each municipal district to agree what it is they would like to see from their county councillors during the next five year term.

The detailed results of these meetings are now available online at www.longfordppn.ie
Siobhan Cronogue, PPN Coordinator said that by actively engaging with community organisations through PPNs, policymakers and decision-makers can better understand the needs and priorities of their constituents, leading to more informed and inclusive decision-making.
Ms Cronogue added, “This participatory approach not only helps to build trust between citizens and government institutions but also enhances the overall quality and effectiveness of public policies and services. Ultimately, by empowering communities to have a say in the decisions that affect them, PPNs contribute to the promotion of democracy, social cohesion, and sustainable development.”

Tess Murphy, PPN Secretariat Rep stated that the European Union (EU) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) both recognise the importance of citizen participation in fostering transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance.

She continued, “In fact, the EU has established guidelines for promoting active citizenship and participatory democracy at the local level, emphasising the importance of engaging with civil society organisations to strengthen democratic processes. With this in mind all 575 PPN community groups are looking forward to working together with elected representatives in delivering the identified actions over the next five years.”

This local election presents an opportunity for elected officials to ensure there is meaningful engagement with Longford citizens to meet their needs and ensure that County Longford is a place where all can thrive and flourish.
For further information on PPN MD Election Mandates please visit www.longfordppn.ie or contact Siobhan Cronogue on 087 261 5583 or email scronogue@longfordcoco.ie