Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
596. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for allocating greater investment to local authority participation structures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38776/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Public Participation Networks were established following the enactment of the Local Government Reform Act in 2014. Public Participation Networks (PPNs) have been established in all local authority areas. Membership of a PPN is open to all volunteer-led/not-for-profit groups in each local authority area. They bring together volunteer-led groups in each area to represent the Community and Voluntary, Environment, and Social Inclusion sectors. Over 18,000 groups nationwide are currently members of a PPN.
The PPN is the main link through which the local authority connects with the local community sector within its area. Its primary function is to provide representation for the community sector in Local Authority policymaking structures, giving local volunteers a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities. Where community representation is required on local authority committees, such as Strategic Policy Committees or Local Community Development Committees, etc., it must be sourced through the PPN.
A ‘root and branch’ review of PPN structures was commissioned by the Department of Rural And Community Development and conducted by an independent contractor, Mazars, in 2021. Fulfilling a commitment in the Programme for Government, the report on the independent review was published last month, and is available on the Department’s website. The Department will now work with stakeholders to develop an implementation roadmap to guide any changes to Public Participation Network structures. Participatory and co-design processes will be used to prioritise recommendations based on stakeholder input, and to ensure a diverse range of views and representatives are involved.
The total funding allocated to the Department of Rural and Community Development to fund PPNs and progress initiatives in this area in 2022 is €2,450,000. The question of additional funding will be considered in the context of the Estimates process for 2023.
