County Longford PPN facilitates community voice when decisions that impact people’s lives are being made

County Longford PPN continues to grow and is the largest network of community groups in the county, currently standing at nearly 600.

It is the one-stop shop for circulating information from Longford County Council and other decision-making bodies.

It facilitates the community voice at the table when decisions that impact people’s lives are being made.

This is done by community groups electing who they want to represent them on Boards and Committees and then using a “two way “communication system.

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All members are invited to the first County Plenary Meeting of the year which will be held in Longford Library, Tuesday, July 23. Registration at 6.45pm sharp. Tess Murphy, PPN Secretariat will Chair the meeting.

Siobhán Cronogue, PPN Coordinator remarked, “As we celebrate the 10 year anniversary of PPN’s, members of the Secretariat are delighted Tess will take up this role as she is the longest standing member of the Board.”

Ms Cronogue said she is looking forward to updating members on the delivery of the workplan to date, reporting on what is planned for the remainder of the year and hearing suggestions from members of work required to meet their needs particularly around training and capacity building.

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Ms Cronogue noted she is delighted to confirm this year’s guest speakers as Barbara Heslin, Director of Services, Community & Enterprise, Longford County Council and Bridie Costelloe - Hynes, Offaly PPN Coordinator.

Long standing supporter of the PPN Barbara Heslin said, “Longford County Council encourages and fosters public participation. It strengthens democracy, builds trust and is vital for good policy and decision-making.

“Over the past 10 years we have worked closely with the Public Participation Network to ensure inclusive engagement with communities.

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“As work commences on the development of the Council’s new 5 year Corporate Plan, we will continue to connect with communities through the PPN to ensure their voices are heard.”

The second guest speaker of the night Bridie Costelloe- Hynes is looking forward to returning to Longford where she once worked as the Coordinator of Bridgeways Family Resource Centre in Ballymahon.

Ms Costelloe- Hynes said “I am delighted to present the Community Energy Charter on behalf of Offaly PPN at the Longford PPN Plenary.

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“It is anticipated that the work undertaken by Offaly PPN in collaboration with Green Offaly & Offaly County Council can be replicated with adjustments reflective of unique requirements in other counties, if groups are interested.

“The Charter provides a voice and traction for communities in this changing landscape from peat to renewable energy sources.”

Refreshments will be provided on the night with community group raffle to follow.

For further information please contact Siobhán scronogue@longfordcoco.ie  or Breda, bgreaves@longfordcoco.ie

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