'A growing local interest': Longford organisations to have a seat at decision-making table

Longford Public Participation Network (PPN) continues to strengthen its role as the collective voice of community groups across the county, with a recent PPN Reps network meeting held on February 10 in Longford Women’s Link highlighting the growing interest in community representation and civic participation.

PPN Representatives (Reps) play a vital role in ensuring that local community and voluntary organisations have a seat at the decision-making table. Through their work on committees such as the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs), the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), and other local boards, they ensure that lived experience and grassroots perspectives inform local policy.

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Kathleen Dowd, Chair of the Reps Networking Meeting, spoke about the increasing interest in the representative role:

“Through the delivery of community education in Longford, we’re seeing a growing local interest in the role of representatives on the Longford PPN. It’s about encouraging the community to say what they see and feel, not to be silenced, and to recognise that their voices and lived experiences truly matter in shaping our community.”

Tara Farrell, who serves as a PPN Representative on both the LCDC and LCSP, emphasised the importance of staying connected:

“As a PPN Representative, I see firsthand how important it is that community groups stay engaged. The PPN ensures that local experience and grassroots knowledge feed directly into decision-making. The upcoming County Plenary is an important opportunity for members to connect with their representatives, understand how their input shapes local policy and strengthens community influence across Longford.”

Siobhan Cronogue, PPN Coordinator, highlighted the importance of two-way communication between Representatives and the wider membership.

She outlined that Longford PPN is currently developing a comprehensive Reps Information Pack to further support those stepping into these important voluntary leadership roles, ensuring they are equipped, informed and confident in representing community interests.

County Plenary 2026
Longford PPN is now inviting all member groups to attend the PPN County Plenary 2026 on Wednesday, March 4 from 7pm to 8.30pm in Longford library (registration from 6:45pm).

The evening will provide members with updates on the PPN Workplan and ongoing activities. The event will also feature guest speaker Michelle Mullins from the See Her Elected (SHE Programme), who will speak about participation in local government and the importance of representation.

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PPN Representatives Tess Murphy, Matt Farrell and Sadia Butt will share insights into their roles on the Governance SPC, the County Longford Tourism Committee and the Longford Health and Wellbeing Steering Committee. Additional input from Tara Farrell and Enda Mc Manus will further highlight how PPN Representatives bring community perspectives into local decision-making structures.

The plenary will conclude with a networking session, light refreshments and a raffle — offering members an opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration across the county.

Longford PPN encourages all member groups to attend and get involved. Representation matters — and when communities speak together, their impact is stronger.