Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Public Participation Networks (PPNs) were established under the Local Government Reform Act of 2014. They provide representation for the community sector in local policymaking, giving local groups a greater say in local government decisions which affect their communities.

There is a PPN in each of the 31 local authority areas, and membership of a PPN is open to volunteer-led and not-for-profit groups in each area. The network has grown substantially since its establishment, and a remarkable 18,000 groups nationwide are now registered with their local PPN and are contributing locally, including in terms of responding to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and also in terms of climate policy, bringing a local perspective into the national conversation.

In terms of future measures to enhance how the PPNs function, a review of PPN structures has been conducted by an independent contractor to ensure PPNs continue to be fit for purpose and to make recommendations to support their ongoing development. Following publication of the review in 2022, my Department set up a Working Group to oversee the development of a Roadmap of future actions to support the operation of PPNs. The Working Group is drawn from a range of PPN stakeholder groups, including PPN staff and volunteers, civil society groups, local authorities and relevant government departments. Participatory and co-design processes are being used to ensure that stakeholders are actively involved in designing the actions that will affect PPNs over the coming years.

A finalised Roadmap is expected to be submitted for approval later this year. The Working Group will remain in place to oversee the implementation of the Roadmap and ensure it enhances the effectiveness of the PPNs.