Celebrating a Decade of Community Engagement: National Public Participation Network Conference Takes Place in Limerick

Public Participation Network Conference 2024 – John Moran; Limerick; Mayor of the City and County of Limerick; Mid-West; National Conference 2024; PPN; Public Participation Networks; Strand Hotel.; Bairbre Nic Aongusa; Assistant Secretary for Community Development; Department of Rural and Community Development; Fionan Coughlan; Patrick Fitzgerald; Mark Ryan; Sean Kelly; Seamus O’Connor; Limerick City and County Council; Lorraine Brodrick; PPN Limerick; Recourse Worker. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Public Participation Network Conference 2024 marked the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of PPNs across Ireland

The Public Participation Network Limerick (PPNL) and Limerick City and County Council proudly hosted the 6th National Public Participation Network Conference at the Strand Hotel Limerick on October 17th and 18th. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the 10-year anniversary of the establishment of PPNs across Ireland.

The conference brought together 160 delegates representing community and voluntary groups, social inclusion and environmental organisations from across the country, alongside local authority officials, elected representatives, and other supporters of the PPNs’ work.

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The theme for this year’s conference, “Collaboration for Resilient Communities,” highlighted the essential partnerships required for the effective delivery of government programs at both national and local levels. The PPNs play a crucial role in facilitating these collaborations by providing representatives on committees and steering groups, sharing information, building capacity, and offering support.

Welcoming delegates to the conference, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said, “It is an honour to welcome such a dedicated group of individuals to Limerick. The work of the PPNs over the past decade has been instrumental in fostering resilient communities through collaboration and support. The key has been working together and supporting each other. This conference is a celebration of the PPN’s achievements and also sets the stage for future initiatives that will continue to strengthen our communities.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Integration, Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD said: “I would like to thank the team in Limerick PPN for all their hard work, enthusiasm and creativity in organising the Annual PPN Conference 2024, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council.  Your work in bringing this national event to Limerick is a great example of the collaboration which is a core characteristic of Public Participation Networks.”

The conference program featured a series of presentations and workshops showcasing various structures, processes, community work, and policy developments from across the PPN spectrum. A highlight of the event was the excursions to PPN Limerick member groups’ projects.

Delegates visited the Kilmurry Arts and Heritage Centre in Castletroy, where they were warmly greeted by the steering committee and the Limerick Art Society (LAS). The Centre, maintained by the people of Castletroy, serves as a hub for enhancing and promoting the community’s diverse potential.

Other delegates travelled to the Northside Family Resource Centre, which hosted a Mid-West Family Resource Centre symposium in honour of International Eradication of Poverty Day. The symposium focused on “Food and Hygiene Poverty Ireland 2024,” allowing delegates to contribute to the event and explore stalls showcasing the work of various Family Resource Centres in the region.

Limerick Civic Trust provided a heritage-focused tour of Limerick’s historic Georgian Quarter, including a visit to the People’s Museum of Limerick. Additionally, delegates enjoyed a Soundwalk in the People’s Park, where they explored the sounds of nature, social interaction, and play, and discussed Limerick City and County Council’s approach to designating Quiet Areas as part of its Noise Action Plan.

At the Strand Hotel delegates enjoyed a range of impressive projects and initiatives by local groups in Limerick. These included the Limerick Community Education Network, GOSHH, Killeedy Bio Park, Tait House Community Enterprise, the Step Forward Disability Group, and the University of Limerick UL Engage team, which collaborated with PPN Limerick to deliver the UL Citizens Assembly. This engaging and interactive event focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and provided a valuable day out for community members.

About PPN:

The Public Participation Network (PPN) is a vital platform that connects local authorities with community groups across Ireland. It empowers citizens by giving them a greater voice in local government decisions that affect their communities. Through the PPN, diverse views and interests are considered, strengthening our democracy. The network includes voluntary groups, environmental organisations, and social inclusion groups, ensuring that all community voices are heard.