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Karen Reilly, PPN Rep on Longford Community; Community Champion during Covid“Siobhán Cronogue and I collaborated on numerous initiatives during the pandemic—a time that now feels like a lifetime ago. So much has happened in Longford since then. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “Siobhán and I launched the Here for You initiative, which connected isolated and vulnerable members of our community. Following that, we coordinated a successful food drive. “At the end of the day, the strength of our community lies in its people. When we come together to support one another, remarkable things happen. “The Longford PPN has continued to grow from strength to strength. This success is a testament to the dedication, passion, and drive of the individuals involved. Their commitment to participation and connection highlights the importance of having a seat at the table. When people come together, the possibilities are truly extraordinary.”
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Kerrie Pendergast, PPN Rep on County Childcare“With childcare being such a hot topic at the moment, it's very, very, very important that the voices of those children are represented. They are our future decision-making citizens, and they need to be represented strongly. Longford is now very diverse in population, and it's very diverse in culture. So making connections with communities, new and old, brings a richness to our county. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “The PPN can connect these communities; it has such a far reach into the county, and it's a vehicle for so many positives in Longford. It provides a space where people can have an input into the decisions that impact them. I do believe that there is power in the collective, and there is power in this PPN collective, by giving a chance to influence and shape what happens locally in favour of the local people. “Being a part of a structure like this will certainly secure a really good future for our young citizens in Longford.”
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Maria Keelty, PPN Disability Rep“The PPN is all about networking, it's about putting people first and foremost. We've achieved a lot, we've worked with the Community Gardaí here in town in relation to blue badges, parking spaces. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO "We've achieved a lot with Irish Rail, where people were putting buggies and luggage and everything into the area meant for wheelchairs. And we campaigned with them for nearly three and a half years and finally this year we got the sign put up, please respect this area for wheelchairs users and do not put luggage on it. “We've had some great campaigns and we've loved every bit of it. And it's about meeting new people. It's been worthwhile and it's all about sharing. “That's why I've called the PPN family. I don't know all of the groups but it's been a pleasure being involved for the last seven years.”
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Eileen Finan, PPN Secretariat and PPN Rep for Social Inclusion, LCDC“I am proud to support the County Longford Public Participation Network (PPN) Social Inclusion Pillar through my membership of the Secretariat and the County Longford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). READ MORE BELOW PHOTO “Being a member of the PPN provides an invaluable platform to amplify voices often underrepresented in our community. It fosters meaningful connections with like-minded groups and individuals, enabling collaborative efforts to address pressing social issues. “Through the PPN, Family Resource Centres and other Social Inclusion organisations can gain access to vital resources, training opportunities, and a network of support that enhances our collective ability to advocate for equality, inclusion, and community development. “County Longford PPN ensures that diverse perspectives are not only heard but also shape decision-making processes, making Longford a more inclusive and cohesive place for everyone.”