Longford's Siobhan Cronogue Oireachtas appeal for extra €2.5 million for PPNs nationwide

Longford's Siobhán Cronogue of Public Participation Networks appealed to Longford TD Micheál Carrigy and members of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development last week for an extra €2.5 million of funding.

She stated during a pre-Budget meeting the money is required nationally to 'to stabilise PPNs and to retain staff'.

Ms Cronogue, County Longford PPN Coordinator and Bridie Costello, Offaly PPN were the presenters last Wednesday.

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They told Oireachtas members they need additional funding to support proper staff regrading, permanent support worker roles, and increased staffing to meet growing demand to deliver their work plans.

The pair also outlined the benefits of PPNs, which includes having over 1,000 representatives on 418 decision making committees such as Local Community Development Committees, Strategic Policy Committees, County Tourism Boards, Local Development Companies, County Childcare Committees to name but a few.

Deputy Carrigy (pictured) thanked Ms Cronogue for the organisation's 'fantastic' work and for her efforts.

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"We have the highest proportion of organisations in the country registered with the local PPN," he said.

"We had an event last September when you came to Leinster House and relayed to elected members the issues that are there and the need for more funding to be put in place for security of employment for staff."

Deputy Carrigy asked Ms Cronogue to summarise how the PPN had benefited communities in Longford and he also asked her what challenges they are facing and what funding is needed to resolve the issues.

"I believe whatever money is put in place will be money very well spent," he added.

Ms Cronogue, who said she was speaking on behalf of the 31 PPNs nationwide, outlined the challenges.

"What we do need to highlight is we are looking for an increase of €2.5 million.

"That is to support the proper regrading of staff, our support workers, our unstable one year temporary contracts.”

Ms Cronogue stated the coordinators were piloted 10 years ago at grade five and although the remit, the role and the responsibility has grown substantially the grade has not changed.

"Just to give an example of that, we started with approximately 300 community groups and the anticipated membership for this year is 24,000 groups.

"In answer to your second question, the benefits that Longford PPN has given the county is the social value of Longford PPN, the efforts of our community groups is estimated at approximately €62 million and that is a very conservative figure.

"But if you multiply it by 31 then PPNs around the country are saving the Government just under €2 billion.

"So, I think it's a small ask for what we are asking for to stabilise PPNs and to retain staff."

Ms Cronogue stated the coordinators were piloted 10 years ago at grade five and although the remit, the role and the responsibility has grown substantially the grade has not changed.

"Just to give an example of that, we started with approximately 300 community groups and the anticipated membership for this year is 24,000 groups.

"In answer to your second question, the benefits that Longford PPN has given the county is the social value of Longford PPN, the efforts of our community groups is estimated at approximately €62 million and that is a very conservative figure.

"But if you multiply it by 31 then PPNs around the country are saving the Government just under €2 billion.

"So, I think it's a small ask for what we are asking for to stabilise PPNs and to retain staff."