Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Authentic engagement can take a bit of time sometimes and PPNs are specifically set up with a flat structure. That makes them difficult when it comes to decision-making sometimes and that has been recognised. I was also very conscious of what the Deputy listed, but it has been done in conjunction with the PPNs, so participatory and co-design processes are being used to ensure stakeholders are actively involved in designing the actions that will affect PPNs over the coming years. We have 18,500 members and we want to bring them all on a process of change as well. That takes a bit of time and it is worth a bit of time.

The review found the performance, understanding and communication of what PPNs really do is variable across local authorities. Some PPNs are doing excellent jobs in making their voices heard and some need more support. Many local stakeholders still do not understand the role of PPNs fully.

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