The main decision making body of the PPN is the Plenary (i.e. all the independent member groups) which should meet at least twice every year to review the workings of the PPN and set the agenda for the coming period. The elected Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the PPN between Plenary meetings. Subsets of the PPN such as Linkage Groups also inform the process. This is a new way of working which differs from a traditional hierarchical structure and is undoubtedly challenging. However, there is much evidence around the country of it operating well.
Who we are
Galway County Public Participation Network has been established to enable people and community groups in Co Galway to have a say on issues that concern them. These Public Participation Networks (PPNs) are new structures for public engagement and participation in Local Government in each Local Authority area.
The PPN is the mechanism through which the Local Authority links and engages with the broader community sector, and is the representative voice of the community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental sectors.
The main role of the PPN is to form a network bringing together all community and voluntary groups, social inclusion groups, and environmental interest groups. Information is shared and people can work together on policy matters.
The PPN also facilitates groups to nominate representatives to local authority policy making boards and committees including the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs). Galway Sports Partnership, Community Safety etc.
PPN members directory
Please click on the link below to view the database of all active community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations in the County Galway area.
What we do
- Elect community, environmental and social inclusion representatives to local authority committees and other policy making boards and agencies.
- Create and work towards a vision for the well-being of this and future generations.
- Build strategic and collaborative relationships with decision makers.
- Identify issues of collective concern and work to influence policy locally in relation to these issues.
- Enabling and encourage members to engage in public consultations.
- Act as an information hub and disseminate information relevant to community groups
Who can be part of the PPN
The national guidelines define the types of groups that can register for the PPN structure as follows:
- Environmental – Organisations whose primary activities are environmental protection and/or environmental sustainability.
- Social Inclusion – Organisations whose activities focus on social inclusion, social justice and/or equality. Examples include organisations which aim to support people with a disability, refugees and asylum seekers, older people, women, young people and those living in poverty.
- Community & Voluntary – Any organisation whose primary activities are other than those listed above belong in this category.
When a group registers it becomes part of the County PPN Structure. Registration is easy. Please complete the Registration Form on the home page. There is no charge. Registered groups receive regular updates, information on funding opportunities and also benefit from advertising their own community activities.
Register your group with the PPN
More information about Galway County PPN
Our structure
Plenary
The Plenary (all the member organisations together) is the key decision maker of the PPN, meeting at least twice a year. Their role is to direct the operation of the PPN, setting overall PPN policy and processes. Decisions made between Plenary meetings, including the election of representatives, should be presented for ratification to the following meeting. Each independent member group has one vote in the Plenary. Plenary meetings are an ideal forum for member groups to meet and network and to hear about matters of interest to them. The Plenary is also charged with developing a wellbeing statement for this and future generations in the area. The Plenary usually meets in May and November.
Secretariat
The PPN Secretariat is elected by the PPN members, to be representative of the different geographical areas and the three pillars. It is an administrative body only, responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of the PPN.
The PPN Secretariat is a 11 member ‘steering group’ which oversees the workings of the PPN and acts as an administrative and communication mechanism for Galway County PPN. The 11 members of the PPN Secretariat were elected by the members of the PPN and held their first meeting in January of 2015.
For more information, visit the PPN Secretariat page on our website.
Governance
PPN Representatives are members of the PPN who are elected to represent the issues of PPN members on a particular Board or Committee. A PPN Representative does not represent the group they are a member of, they represent the PPN and are guided by their linkage group. Find out more about the PPN Reps here.
The work of the Galway County PPN is set out in the Workplan, which is drafted by the Secretariat and Workers and agreed by the Plenary.
The Galway County PPN is hosted by the Galway County Council, and this hosting agreement is set out in a yearly Service Level Agreement. The PPN and GCC also agree to work together, including sharing budgetary oversight. This relationship is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding, along with the PPN Budget.
Below is the link to Governance, policies and circulars:
Get in touch with PPN staff
Claire (PPN Resource Worker) - 091 509012 or 087 3919009 | Silvana (PPN Support Worker) 091 378 922
Address
PPN Section
Galway County Council
Centrepoint, First Floor
Liosban Business Park
Galway City
H91 PY8H
Email and urls
Contact us online URL
Alternate contact URL