Roscommon’s Public Participation Network (PPN) hosted a highly successful Plenary and networking event for community groups in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon last Wednesday evening. The PPN is facilitated and co-funded by Roscommon County Council in conjunction with the Department of Rural & Community Development and the PPN Secretariat.

There was a large number of community groups in attendance whom were informed of forthcoming funding opportunities, which will be made available in the coming weeks and in 2025. The importance of community engagement and strategic development were just two of the topics highlighted by guest speaker, Louise Weir, Principal Horizon Europe Project Manager and University of Galway Lecturer with expertise in Rural Development Policy.

Representatives of the PPN Secretariat, Roscommon County Council’s Community Department, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and Roscommon Sports Partnership were also present to outline supports and initiatives available to local groups.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan outlined how the PPN plays a crucial role in connecting communities with local authorities, fostering engagement, and ensuring that the public's voice is heard in local decision-making processes. Shane also commented on how the PPN supports the formulation of key policies through the nomination of community representatives onto local decision making structures including Strategic Policy Committees (SPC’s).

Mr. Tiernan highlighted the many community projects developed across the county, which he said, would not materialise without the support of local communities. Shane commended volunteers on their unwavering commitment to making the county a better place to live, work and invest in. He also reflected on the distribution of various community funding in 2024 via schemes including the Local Enhancement Fund (circa €115,534.62) and the CLAR Fund (circa €700,000).

Guest speaker Louise Weir, lecturer in University of Galway highlighted the importance of community engagement and their role in supporting local policy formulation. Structures such as the Public Participation Network (PPN), Strategic Policy Committees (SPC’s) and Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) collectively empower communities and ensure their voices is heard in local decision-making.

Other speakers on the night included Cathriona MacCarthy from the Community Department in Roscommon County Council, who spoke on funding opportunities; Tomas Beades, Operations Manager with Roscommon LEADER Partnership who outlined LEADER funding and Noel Feeley of Roscommon Sports Partnership.

The PPN also launched their new website and community engagement portal on the night and facilitated an informative discussion on the proposed development of strategic plan for the network for the period 2025-2030. The Event concluded with a highly informative showcase of local supports and services.