FOREWORD Foreword First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

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2 FOREWORD Foreword 2017 was a momentous year in the life of the Public Participation Network (PPN) fraternity as it was the year in which the first national conference was held at the initiation and organisation of the Sligo PPN. This initiative took courage and vision but also was inevitable, waiting to happen. Such is the work and ambition of the PPN groups nationally. The holding of the conference was timely in recognising the significance of the PPN in modern Irish society. Community and voluntary groups play a significant and varied role in the social, environmental, cultural and economic fabric of the country, urban and rural. Groups ranging from very local to larger national organisations provide a web of services and supports that otherwise would just not exist. All of us are touched in some way by these groups. Sligo s designation as European Volunteering Capital in 2017 recognises the important contribution made to society by volunteering and enables us to build on the links between volunteers and PPNs. In so doing we can acknowledge the contribution of the Sligo PPN and its secretariat to date. This can be easily and equally replicated and celebrated throughout all PPNs. There is a common energy and enthusiasm among PPN structures operating nationally and the desire for further bedding down and strengthening of the role and function of the networks is passionate. There is a high level of activity taking place in promoting inclusion, participation, independence, diversity, transparency and accountability, which are the fundamental principles and values of the PPNs. Coupled with this, however, is a recognition that while PPNs are up and running since and striving towards full integration as a representative and participatory body of volunteer organisations across society, there is still at times a struggle with basic issues around role and function. This is causing some difficulty in readiness to progress to considering higher-level issues such as wellbeing and securing effective representation. Continued and improved capacity building, leadership, resourcing, training and information sharing will greatly assist in bridging this gap. Minister Kyne in his opening address reassured delegates that the principles of active citizenship and participation of local communities in local and national policy are enshrined in his department. In addition, the department s officials offered solid assurances in terms of their support for the PPNs to address issues of resourcing, training and capacity building and with intentions to develop a national campaign on promotion and branding. These assurances, together with the positive inputs from speakers that followed, brought a context of confidence and opportunity to the day s proceedings. Grateful thanks is extended to the Sligo PPN, to Sligo County Council with whom it works closely in partnership both in the provision of this conference and all its work programme, to the Department of Rural and Community Development for ongoing funding and support, to all speakers and contributors of the day who made this conference such a wonderful effort, to all delegates and all PPN members who travelled to attend, and, finally, kind gratitude is extended to the sponsors of the event. i First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

3 FOREWORD The Sligo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in its key role of supporting social inclusion and overseeing the implementation of the Community priorities of the Local Economic & Community Plan (LECP) recognises the intrinsic value of the PPN and this conference. Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat (l-r) Gerry O Connor, Jennifer Van Aswegen, Elizabeth King, Michael Kirby, Michael Bell, Vanessa Clarke, Albert Higgins and David Tuffy ii First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

4 CONTENTS Contents Foreword Introduction Introduction Structure of report Public Participation Networks History of the PPNs Structure and role of the PPNs Overview of Sligo PPN The Conference Aims and objectives Conference Programme Proceedings Welcome by Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Welcome from Secretariat of Sligo PPN Official opening by Minister of State, Seán Kyne, TD Address by Jason Kearney, principal officer, Department of Rural and Community Development Toolkit for Statement of Wellbeing Breakout groups consider elements of a statement of wellbeing The elements of wellbeing Outputs from discussion groups Social and Community Development Environment and Sustainability Economy and Resources Health Values, Culture and Meaning Participation, Democracy and Good Governance Presentations John Lonergan: Why local communities must be active and inclusive Social Justice Ireland The journey to 2017 and beyond Jamie Moore, Fingal PPN: Model of best practice... 32

5 CONTENTS 5.4 Open Forum Concluding remarks Outcomes and conclusions Outcomes Conclusions Recommendations Appendix 1 List of attendees at Conference Appendix 2 List of organisations displaying banners and stands... 49

6 1. INTRODUCTION 1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction Public Participation Networks (PPNs) were set up under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 to enable citizens to play an active part in influencing the policies and decisions of local government and in keeping oversight of its work. The first national PPN one-day conference took place in the Clayton Hotel, Sligo, on Thursday, 19 October 2017, hosted by Sligo PPN in conjunction with Sligo County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The objective of the conference was to provide a forum for all PPNs to come together to network and explore common issues of concern and to allow commonality and diversity of structures be considered with a view to benchmarking where the networks are at on their trajectory to fulfilling the role and function set by government. From the conference day it was envisaged that a legacy would emerge to measure and guide progress into the future. The secretariat of Sligo PPN believed that such a conference would be timely in helping it to further develop the work and impact of the PPN in Sligo. The conference would examine the progress made by PPNs to date and how they could influence policy and decision making into the future. It would also help to develop collaboration among PPNs and between PPNs and local government. By creating greater awareness of the importance of PPNs, the organisers aimed to demonstrate to community groups the value of playing an active role in influencing policy and decision making. The many guests and participants included Seán Kyne TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development; mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Hubert Keaney; Jason Kearney, principal officer, DRCD; Michael Ewing, co-ordinator of the Environmental Pillar, members and delegates from PPNs around the country and special guests John Lonergan, former prison governor and management expert, Sara Bourke and Dr Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland and Jamie Moore of Fingal PPN. Over 200 participants attended to examine the successes and challenges of PPNs and in particular the responsibility of preparing a statement of wellbeing for present and future generations. The large number of participants allowed wide-ranging discussions on the challenges facing PPNs as they evolved and the priorities and issues that wellbeing statements needed to address in order to act as effective guiding documents for local authorities work. 1 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

7 1. INTRODUCTION PPNs and other groups attending were invited to display their pull-up banners depicting the PPN s role in their communities, which was taken up in great numbers and added a sense of inclusion and colour to the setting. Cllr Sinead Maguire (Chair - Sligo LCDC), Michael Kirby (Sligo LCDC/PPN Secretariat), Margaret McConnell (Sligo Co Co), Chris Gonley (Sligo LCDC/Sligo Leader) 1.2 Structure of report This report is presented in six chapters and two appendices. Chapter 2 sets out the timeline for the development of the PPNs, their structure and role and the evolution of Sligo PPN, as one among many. Chapter 3 details the conference proceedings, setting out the aims and objectives and the conference programme. This is followed by addresses of welcome and the keynote speech by the Minister of State at the DRCD, Seán Kyne, TD. Section reports a detailed presentation by Mr Jason Kearney, principal officer, DRCD, who examined Where are we now and what next? 2 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

8 1. INTRODUCTION Chapter 4 addresses the initiative of devising a toolkit or methodology for helping PPNs develop their statement of wellbeing. The contribution of Michael Ewing, co-ordinator of the Environmental Pillar, is summarised. In 4.1 and 4.2 the discussion guidelines Elements of Wellbeing Statement are detailed while in 4.3 the outputs of six roundtable groups that discussed in depth the six elements of a wellbeing statement are reported. Chapter 5 details four presentations made by guest speakers on the themes of why local communities must be active and inclusive; the next stage of PPN development; and models of best practice in PPNs. In 5.4 an open forum, in which a panel of speakers responded to participants points and questions, is recounted. Section 5.5 outlines the closing remarks of Ms Dorothy Clarke, deputy chief executive, Sligo County Council. Chapter 6 is an important chapter that deals with conclusions and outcomes of the conference. Appendix 1 contains a list of all participants who attended the conference; Appendix 2 lists the groups and PPNs that displayed banners and stands at the conference. Banners from many PPNs and organisations created a colourful display 3 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

9 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORKS 2. Public Participation Networks This chapter outlines the process by which the PPNs nationally and Sligo PPN have developed to date. 2.1 History of the PPNs In September 2013, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD, set up a Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government. The report of the working group proposed structures that would enable local authorities to collaborate with civil society groups in creating communities that would protect and promote the wellbeing of present and future generations. This structure was the Public Participation Network. The report linked the objective of citizen engagement to the concept of promoting wellbeing. The report s recommendations were built into the 2014 Local Government Reform Act. In May 2014, a government circular to local authorities set in train the process of setting up PPNs. Four members of the Working Group travelled the country to explain the concepts of PPNs and of community wellbeing. An important function of each PPN would be to draw up a statement of wellbeing for the community in its local authority area. Wellbeing would be achieved through active collaboration between the local authority and community-based groups in shaping local authority policy and actions, guided by the wellbeing statement. Social Justice Ireland and the Environmental Pillar, two member of the Working Group, examined with world experts what wellbeing meant and how PPNs might create a vision for wellbeing. In 2015, a Reference Group was set up, comprising experts, government departments, environmental bodies, third-level colleges, think-tanks and NGOs, to consider the right road to defining wellbeing. The Reference Group was expanded in In parallel with the research strand, the DRCD supported and funded the roll out and work of PPNs. It developed a practical PPN User Guide and a computerised PPN membership database, provided training and set up a National PPN Advisory Group. Funding was provided for the hiring of resource workers for each PPN. Performance indicators to measure the work and impact of PPNs are being developed following the production of PPN annual reports in First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

10 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORKS By 2017, all PPNs had been established, the majority of which use the membership database. Some 11,000 organisations are registered with PPNs throughout the country, over 800 representatives sit on 318 local authority boards and committees and 22 PPNs have set up linkage groups. The Reference Group decided to devise a toolkit or method that would help PPNs draw up a wellbeing statement. The Environmental Pillar and Social Justice Ireland set out to do this on the Reference Group s behalf. In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency provided funding to resource the development and testing of the toolkit, which is to be developed between October 2017 and January The pilot toolkit will be tested by four volunteer PPNs from February to April Spring 2018 will see the launch of the finished toolkit. When completed, the toolkit will be circulated to PPNs to assist them in devising a local statement of wellbeing. One of the aims of the national conference was to gather delegates suggestions on what priorities and issues of concern to their communities should be included in the toolkit and in a wellbeing statement. All the suggestions gathered would be examined by the toolkit team to see how the toolkit might provide for them. Listening to feedback from six discussion groups on the elements of wellbeing 5 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

11 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORKS 2.2 Structure and role of the PPNs The PPN provides a structure through which the community, voluntary and environmental sectors can participate in decision making and identify issues of concern at local authority level. It is the main link through which the local authority communicates and consults with these civic society groups. The full membership of the PPN, called the plenary, is made up of Community and Voluntary, Social Inclusion and Environmental groups that are registered with the PPN. These groups are divided into one of three electoral colleges: Community and Voluntary; Social Inclusion and Environment. The plenary elects representatives onto the PPN secretariat, which co-ordinates the PPN, and to the local authority s Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). The plenary may also set up linkage groups to advise and do research into specific areas of interest, such as heritage or drug use. The linkage group can elect representatives to sit on county-level committees, for example, the county heritage forum. The PPN secretariat co-ordinates the PPN s activities, helps the plenary to implement its decisions, manages the PPN s resource worker and acts as a hub for communication and information. It organises training and other supports to build the capacity of members. The local authority has a duty to support the PPN so that it can carry out its role. Both the PPN and the local authority must support the participation of voluntary representatives through training and administrative supports. One of the most important tasks for the PPN is the development of a vision statement for the wellbeing of present and future generations within its county or municipal area. It is also tasked with actively promoting the social inclusion of groups experiencing marginalisation, poverty and discrimination. 2.3 Overview of Sligo PPN Sligo PPN was established in June At the first plenary meeting on 26 November 2014, 104 community groups were represented. The current members of the secretariat were also elected at this meeting. Sligo PPN Secretariat Albert Higgins David Tuffy Elizabeth King Sligo Municipal District (MD) Ballymote / Tubbercurry MD Social Inclusion 6 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

12 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORKS Jennifer Van Aswegen Gerry O Connor Vanessa Clarke Michael Bell Michael Kirby Social Inclusion Community and Voluntary Community and Voluntary Environment Environment Sligo PPN Secretariat planning meeting at which the National PPN Conference was decided From August 2014 a recruitment drive took place, which included public meetings, establishing a website and publishing articles in the press. A priority in 2015 was the development and adoption of a constitution and a representatives charter setting out the rights and responsibilities of representatives and their linkage groups. The constitution was adopted by the PPN membership on 5 December During 2015, basic rules of operation were developed. Seven linkage groups were established and, through these, representatives were elected onto county-level committees. The PPN also elected representatives onto the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). In July 2015, a policy consultant was recruited to work along with the PPN and proceeded to help linkage groups to develop clear policy goals. Social Media, Effective Community Representation and Representatives Training was organised. The PPN established a website and active social media presence and it now circulates a monthly e-bulletin to over 1,000 recipients. 7 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

13 2. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORKS A survey of members carried out to measure the value of the PPN found that approximately three-quarters felt that they had an impact on decision making. A majority of those surveyed said that meetings were well organised, that their voices were heard and that they received information about the work of the PPN. During 2016, the PPN concentrated on developing its communication strategy and building the capacity of representatives and linkage groups. As at October 2017, there were 445 groups registered with Sligo PPN. Of these, 290 were from the Sligo MD and 155 from the Ballymote / Tubbercurry MD. There are 383 groups registered with the Community and Voluntary College, 46 with the Social Inclusion College and 16 with the Environmental College. Sligo PPN has 31 representatives on the following committees Strategic Policy Committees of Sligo County Council; Joint Policing Committee; County Sligo Heritage Forum; Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership; Place Names Committee; Disability Consultative Committee, Northwest Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce; Independent Evaluation Committee for the RDP Programme First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

14 3. THE CONFERENCE 3. The Conference Sligo PPN Secretariat undertook a review and planning session during January and February In planning for 2017, the secretariat agreed that, in moving forward and further developing the work and impact of the PPN in Sligo, it would be prudent to hold a PPN seminar, in September / October 2017, which would focus on creating a greater awareness of the PPN. It would also highlight to community groups the importance of being involved in influencing policy at all levels, both locally and nationally. Sligo s designation as European Volunteering Capital for 2017 laid the bedrock for this decision. Over 200 people discussed the successes and challenges of PPNs 3.1 Aims and objectives The objective of the conference was to provide a forum for all PPNs to come together to network and explore common issues of concern and to allow commonality and diversity of structures be considered with a view to benchmarking where the networks are at on their trajectory to fulfilling the role and function set by government. From the conference day it was envisaged that a legacy would emerge to measure and guide progress into the future. 9 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

15 3. THE CONFERENCE The conference would also serve to highlight the designation of Sligo as European Volunteering Capital (EVC) 2017 and identify and build on the links between volunteers and the PPN. In addition, as mentioned earlier, it would have a national legacy element. The focus would be on the progression of PPNs at local and national level, how they could influence policy, develop collaborations between PPNs and local government, devise strategy and build for the future. There would be input from the DRCD, breakout sessions to give voice to individual input on issues around social, economic, democratic and environmental themes and an overview of PPN models of best practice. The trophy marking Sligo s designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017 with (l-r) Cllr Marie Casserly, Margaret McConnell, Sligo County Council, John Lonergan and Ciara Herity, Sligo Volunteer Centre 10 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

16 3. THE CONFERENCE 3.2 Conference Programme MORNING SESSION Content Speaker Registration / Tea / Coffee Introduction by MC Vanessa Clarke, Sligo PPN secretariat member Welcome from Sligo County Council Welcome from Sligo PPN Official opening of Conference Where are we now - what next? Cllr Hubert Keaney, Mayor, Sligo Municipal District David Tuffy, acting chairperson, Sligo PPN Secretariat Seán Kyne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Jason Kearney, principal officer, Department of Rural and Community Development Focusing on the Toolkit for Statement of Wellbeing Michael Ewing, National Environmental Pillar workshops 1. Environment and Sustainability 2. Social and Community Development 3. Economy and Resources 4. Participation, Democracy and Good Governance 5. Health 6. Value, Culture and Meaning Feedback from workshops Michael Ewing / Jason Kearney AFTERNOON SESSION Why Local Communities must be Active and Inclusive John Lonergan The Journey to 2017 and Beyond Sara Bourke / Dr Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland PPN - Model of Best Practice Jamie Moore, Fingal PPN Open Forum / Q & A Panel Close Dorothy Clarke, Deputy Chief Executive, Sligo County Council 11 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

17 3. THE CONFERENCE 3.3 Proceedings Morning session Vanessa Clarke, on behalf of the secretariat of Sligo PPN, acted as MC and guided participants through the various stages of the conference throughout the day. The morning session opened with welcoming speeches followed by the keynote address by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development. Jason Kearney, principal officer of the department, then examined Where are we now and what next? This was followed by an in-depth examination of the concept of wellbeing and the development of a toolkit to help PPNs draw up a wellbeing statement. Delegates broke into six groups that discussed six overlapping elements of wellbeing. The results were reported back to the general conference. The afternoon session heard from four guest speakers who discussed, respectively, why local communities must be active and inclusive ; the way forward and PPN case studies of best practice. An open forum followed. Mayor of Sligo Cllr Hubert Keaney (left) and David Tuffy Sligo PPN secretariat (right) 12 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

18 3. THE CONFERENCE Welcome by Mayor of Sligo Municipal District The mayor of Sligo Municipal District, Cllr Hubert Keaney, opened the conference. In his welcome speech, he said that the founding objective of the PPN had been to provide a mechanism to facilitate and support input by the community sector into decision making by their local authority. I think of all the initiatives introduced by the recent transformation in local government, the establishment of the PPN was certainly one of the most popular, successful and valued, he said. It could be argued that for too long the capacity and ambition of our community sector was an under-utilised and undervalued resource. The passing of the Local Government Reform Act in 2014 was a significant milestone as, for the first time, we have a statutory framework for community representation. There has been meaningful citizens engagement, improved local decision making, new formalised roles for the community sector in policy making, a willingness to improve information flow and accountability. All these factors serve to empower communities, enhance and streamline the process of planning and delivering initiatives and contribute to the enormous goodwill that exists between the council and the communities we serve. While this progress is not exclusive to Sligo, I take great pride in the achievements across our county, he said. As with any new entity, you had an open canvas of challenges and opportunities and the PPN [in Sligo] has certainly made a decisive contribution since they held their first plenary meeting in November One of the workshops being delivered here today encapsulates the culture and ethos of the PPN, Participation, Democracy and Good Governance, values that we can all subscribe to and support, said Mayor Keaney. Mayor Keaney concluded by thanking the people at the conference for their passion, ambition and vision. 13 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

19 3. THE CONFERENCE Welcome from Secretariat of Sligo PPN The acting chairperson of Sligo PPN secretariat, David Tuffy, welcomed all the participants to Sligo, the Land of Heart s Desire and European Volunteering Capital Sligo PPN was established in June 2014, David Tuffy said. He recalled that 104 community sector groups had been represented at the first plenary meeting in November 2014 and 140 people had participated in discussions. Fast forward three years to October 2017 and Sligo PPN now has 445 member groups and is hosting a conference with over 200 delegates registered to attend, he said. Sligo PPN now had representatives on 11 committees in County Sligo. They work to bring forward the voice of the community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental pillars of the PPN to these various committees, Mr Tuffy said. Mr Tuffy recounted that the idea of a national PPN conference was first discussed in January and February The secretariat had agreed that, in developing the future work and impact of the PPN in Sligo, it would be prudent to hold a PPN seminar in Sligo for all groups during The secretariat had also decided to highlight, through the conference, Sligo s designation as European Volunteering Capital 2017 (EVC 2017) and to identify and build on the links between volunteers and the PPN. Sligo EVC 2017 provides a unique opportunity for Sligo PPN to create a greater awareness, raise the profile of the designation and highlight the work of the PPN and its secretariat to date. The conference would highlight to community groups the importance of being involved in influencing policy at all levels, both locally and nationally, he added. Mr Tuffy stressed the importance of highlighting the impact that volunteering contributes to our wellbeing and society, by tracking as many volunteer hours as possible in the county. The EVC 2017 Volunteer Clock was set up to capture the many hours contributed by volunteers in County Sligo this year. The PPN secretariat was encouraging all voluntary groups in the county to record their volunteer hours. With this objective, staff from Sligo Volunteer Centre were present to help Sligo groups attending the conference to log their volunteering hours. Mr Tuffy described the process of developing Sligo PPN as challenging at times, given that the PPN was a totally new venture. 14 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

20 3. THE CONFERENCE It was important that Sligo PPN, as a leader in this field, continued to work effectively to engage its members, had a clear policy agenda for its linkage groups and colleges and managed its resources to be responsive to the needs of the community and voluntary sector in the county, he said. It goes without saying that community and voluntary representatives bring valuable experience and knowledge to the table and this must be valued, nurtured and continuously developed, he added. On behalf of Sligo PPN secretariat, Mr Tuffy thanked the DRCD and the National PPN Advisory Group both for funding the conference and for entrusting us with the organisation of this event. He also expressed thanks to the EVC 2017 steering committee and Creative Ireland for the funding they had provided. Expressing the spirit of Sligo PPN, he urged participants to never think that any task for your PPN is too great Official opening by Minister of State, Seán Kyne, TD Seán Kyne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Mr Seán Kyne, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development with responsibility for Natural Resources, Community Affairs and Digital Development, 15 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

21 3. THE CONFERENCE delivered the launch and official opening speech of the conference. He gave an overview of the development of the national PPN network from the perspective of the DRCD. The work of the new department would be underpinned by the Action Plan on Rural Development and the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland. Greater consideration of the potential impact of proposed policy initiatives on local communities, particularly those in rural Ireland, was needed, he said. Minister Kyne explained that, in his appointment, he had been assigned specific responsibility for the development of PPNs and active citizenship. One of the most important principles for me is to see enshrined in the new department the recognition that local communities must have their voices heard on local and national policy issues that have either a direct or indirect effect on their lives, he told delegates. He said that he, and the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, TD, were determined to place great emphasis on promoting the effective participation of local communities in local government matters. There is no doubt in my mind that the value of citizen participation in local decision making has been already directly enhanced by the development of PPNs, he continued. PPNs were the main link through which the local authority connected with the community, voluntary, environmental and social inclusion sectors. It was now a requirement that, where a local authority committee needed representation from the community, it had to be sourced through the PPN. The PPN is now the go to organisation for all bodies in a city or county who wish to benefit from community and voluntary expertise at their table. No small achievement for a network barely three years old. The success for this rests alone with you, the PPNs and its resource workers, the minister told participants. He warned, however, that no one could rest on their laurels. PPNs needed to be relevant to ordinary people. People needed to know and understand what PPNs were about and the worthwhile difference they would make. The dual concept of participation and engagement by our citizens is too important and too fragile for us to take our eyes off the ball, he said. PPNs were uniquely placed to bring a diversity of voices and interests to the decision-making process. This benefited not just the local government machinery, it also enriched our communities, both urban and rural, he said. 16 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

22 3. THE CONFERENCE The National PPN Advisory Group, which had been established to advise and support the department in the development and operation of the PPNs, was truly representative of the entire PPN family and was essential to their successful development. The Advisory Group should be the lead for all PPNs on issues relating to their development and advancement. The Minister said he would shortly be publishing a report on the data compiled by the Advisory Group in 2016 on the work of PPNs. Illustrating the progress that had been achieved, he said that: - PPNs had been established in all local authority areas; - some 11,000 organisations were now registered with the PPNs; - all PPNs had a resource worker; - a database for each PPN s registered local community organisations had been established in most areas; - local training and capacity building were ongoing. The PPN was now embedded and our next task was to develop it further, Minister Kyne said. He concluded by thanking all PPN volunteers and resource workers for their time, work and commitment. Your collaborative approach, your hard work, vision and commitment are already paying dividends. We cannot thank you enough, he told the audience Address by Jason Kearney, principal officer, Department of Rural and Community Development Minister Kyne s speech was followed by a detailed presentation by Mr Jason Kearney, principal officer, DRCD, on the theme of Where are we now and what next? The department was actively supporting the work of PPNs, Mr Kearney said. It had provided start-up and operational funding and developed a practical PPN User Guide. It had financed the roll out of a PPN [membership] database with training and user support, had funded the costs of employing resource workers and had established a National PPN Advisory Group. Among the guiding principles of the PPN process were active citizenship, respect for individual freedom, social dialogue, participation, trust, independence and flat structure. The flat nature of PPNs was something the department would cherish and implement. They in the civil service had been as hand-off as they could be, bearing in mind they were dealing with taxpayers money, he said. 17 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

23 3. THE CONFERENCE The User Guide, produced in March 2017, was an enormous success and most PPNs were using it. It set out what PPNs are, how they should operate, their flat structure and their relationship with local authorities. Mr Kearney assured delegates that the department would address any remaining issues with the User Guide as they arise. With most PPNs now bedded down, the next step was to develop performance measurements to assess their impact, as part of creating an evidence base. The question to be asked was whether it was enough to be engaged or if the process enriched decision making, he said. Developing capacity and training for PPN stakeholders at all levels and increasing awareness of PPNs among the general public were other priorities. Funding for an administrator role to support the resource worker was under consideration subject to resources. In relation to public awareness, a national publicity campaign and branding for PPNs had been one of the main findings of the 2016 report process. The PPNs themselves were critical to getting the message across, Mr Kearney said. Future funding for PPNs had been ring-fenced by the department and local authorities would do the same, he continued. The department, he assured delegates, recognised that this was a long-term project that was still in its infancy. It was a unique policy initiative that needed to be protected and valued. You are the owner, he told participants. Jason Kearney, Department of Rural and Community Development (l); Michael Ewing, Environmental Pillar 18 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

24 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING 4. Toolkit for Statement of Wellbeing The second stage of the morning programme was focused on examining the concept of wellbeing. It is an important function of PPNs to draw up a holistic statement of wellbeing for present and future communities. Michael Ewing, co-ordinator of the Environmental Pillar, opened this stage of the work with a presentation that set out the issues, global, environmental and community, which PPNs needed to consider in drawing up the statement of wellbeing. In developing and protecting wellbeing, local communities had to take account of wider global issues, such as world population growth, extinction of species and climate change, he said. Society s wellbeing required that all development, including cultural and social, be sustainable and ensure that the wellbeing of future generations be promoted. Community wellbeing had to have a holistic approach that incorporated economy, society and environment, he said. What we do affects the environment. The difference is that we can repair our society and our economy but we cannot repair the environment. We are looking at [our children s] future and the future of their children and that of millions of people on the planet. He then outlined the growth of the PPN structures from the establishment of the Advisory Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government in The role of the PPN network was to contribute to the development by the local authority of a county or city vision by setting out what it thought was necessary to promote wellbeing for present and future generations. Wellbeing required that basic needs be met; that people had a sense of purpose and that they felt able to achieve important goals, to participate in society and to live the lives they valued and had reason to value 1. Statements of wellbeing also needed to incorporate the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals at national and local level, Michael Ewing added First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

25 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING The development of a wellbeing statement was to be the heart of the PPN, bringing together the combined wisdom of the three colleges: Community and Voluntary; Social Inclusion and Environmental. The statement would be the reference point for all PPN representatives on council committees and for its involvement in contributing to Local Economic and Community Plans, Community Development Plans, LEADER, SICAP and other bodies. As a living document it would be reviewed regularly over time, Michael Ewing said. The Environmental Pillar and Social Justice Ireland were developing a national toolkit that would guide PPNs in defining and drawing up their local statements of wellbeing, he said. 4.1 Breakout groups consider elements of a statement of wellbeing As part of the process of devising this toolkit, conference participants examined the concept of wellbeing in breakout groups. The aim was to garner as many insights and issues that delegates believed a wellbeing statement should address. The results of these discussions were gathered by the toolkit team to inform their work on the toolkit being developed. To help delegates define what was meant by wellbeing and to provide a focus for their discussions, guidelines on Elements of a Wellbeing Statement were prepared for the conference. This broke down the broad idea of wellbeing into six overlapping elements: Social and Community Development; Environment and Sustainability; Economy and Resources; Health; Values, Culture and Meaning; and, Participation, Democracy and Good Governance, each of which would be considered by a discussion group. Participants were asked to consider the Statement of Wellbeing under the following headings:- 4.2 The elements of wellbeing Social and Community Development This heading looks at how we, as individuals and communities, are able to act (individually or together) to create solutions to the problems we face and to benefit from development. It considers our access to services and infrastructure, the provision of community facilities and resources and our ability to access education. It also gives careful thought to how inclusive our society is; whether all people within our society feel valued and important, and also how far people believe we can trust 20 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

26 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING each other (how cohesive our community is). It is an opportunity to look at how active and engaged our community is, for example, the extent of volunteering and how vibrant and attractive our community is. Environment and Sustainability Under this heading both the natural environment and the surroundings in which we live that have been built by humans (the built environment ) are included. It looks at how we use and interact with natural resources from the local to the global scale (our ecological footprint ) and the impacts of our activities on the resources we rely on. It asks how we measure our actions against the impacts they have on our life support systems. This includes how we feed ourselves, how we generate and control our waste, pollution and energy, as well as how we protect and conserve our wildlife and biodiversity. How do we develop, share and use environmental information and education? It also evaluates the built environment: how it is constructed; how suitable it is for its purpose; its aesthetics and how it interacts with the natural environment. Economy and Resources The focus is on the economic activity taking place within our community and its characteristics; whether it is innovative, worthwhile, fair, sustainable and so forth. This heading looks at both the nature of employment and unemployment within our community, our experience of prosperity and poverty and our living standards. It looks at the impact of employment, or lack of it, on the structure of our community. It also considers the resources we have, the available infrastructure and our access to relevant education. Values, Culture and Meaning Our wellbeing is also influenced by our culture and identity. We consider our heritage, spirituality, arts and sporting activities. We identify the values within our community, what matters to us, and the characteristics that contribute to our resilience. We explore our long-term vision of what we wish to pass on to the generations that come after us and what is required for this, including education; how we see equality and inclusion within our community and between us and future generations. Participation, Democracy and Good Governance Included under this heading is a look at political decision making and our participation in it. This includes how open, transparent and accountable our local governance structures are, how well we are represented, how well we represent ourselves and 21 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

27 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING the community structures that are in place to secure our involvement and long-term participation. Careful thought is given to how the democratic system provides security and what supports it gives to our sense of solidarity and belonging. 4.3 Outputs from discussion groups Each discussion group reported back to the main conference on what they considered to be the most important issues relating to the heading they had examined. For time reasons, only the points agreed to be most significant were reported. A report-back session followed breakout discussions on wellbeing Social and Community Development Engaging and retaining volunteers there is an over-reliance on volunteers, they are expected to train and know legislation but are unpaid. The PPN needs to take active role in training volunteers. Volunteers own basic needs are not being met poverty, just surviving. Wellbeing impact on their work. Language needs to be respectful use of acronyms reflects this. Funding for groups. Insurance for groups cost; what needs to be covered; community insurance tool. Networking and capacity building for groups to take a stronger role at the table it takes time to build capacity. 22 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

28 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING Funding for PPN support the resource workers so they can do developmental work, as well as the huge administrative work burden. Two-way communication needed between PPN and groups. Power tension between elected representatives and volunteer representatives. Engaging young people learning about how they interact Environment and Sustainability Criteria for communications need to reach people at large and listen to them, not just groups or on social media. Criteria for joining the Environmental Pillar too restrictive it should include tidy towns committee. Climate change make it relevant to ordinary people. Incentivise the mitigation of climate change/sustainable energy [ensure there is] a role for the individual. More public transport make it easier to use so people don t have to depend on cars. PPN process needs to be decentralised more. Standardise procedures see what is working well in PPNs and standardise it Economy and Resources Environment safeguard and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. Community employment support the development of local community employment opportunities. Public and private resources sharing and redistribution of resources between geographic groups; sharing the burden. Two key words Appropriate and Sustainable development, economic activity, and use of resources. Social enterprise support and encourage social enterprise development. Idea of basic income concept of guaranteed minimum income, how do we define work; where does money come from? Vibrant communities support communities and local businesses in creating employment, enterprises, and using resources sustainably. Apprenticeship programmes create structured programmes and opportunities for residents to train and develop new skills. Engagement involve all sections of the community in supporting employment and ensuing appropriate and sustainable use of resources. Fairness ensure that all have access to employment opportunities, services and natural resources. 23 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

29 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING Health User-led approach committees of persons who have the need, e.g. disabilities. People with autism/other disabilities need to be involved in [health] planning. Focus on prevention importance of good food and lifestyle. People with intellectual and other disabilities very few resources for them. Older people being left to their own devices after retirement, implications for mental health. Inter-agency approach focus energies towards issues; input by lot of agencies as well as voluntary sector. Schools physical health, mental health, feelings and communication education should be addressed at an early age. Existing structures PPN representatives should be on HSE boards and vice versa. Marginalised need to get good health care and health information PPNs should be involved in initiatives to address this. Poverty and homelessness need national initiative, lot of vacant houses in countryside. Unsustainability of rural population people leaving because of lack of broadband and transport; infrastructure needed to support living in rural areas. Transport input needed to make living in the country more attractive for people in cities where there are too few services. Genetic modification help people grow their own food, has an impact on health. Bottom-up approach green spaces and basics needed for future generations, helps with mental, physical and emotional health. PPNs not well known enough; if it is to work, it needs to be advertised and promoted more Values, Culture and Meaning Value of diversity/multiculturalism to promote wellbeing not just tolerance but welcome. Need a broader concept of diversity that values a wide scope of difference, not just cultures but abilities and socio-economic background. Multiculturalism use the Irish strengths of identity and culture. We can include [other cultures] without losing the uniqueness of our arts, heritage and language; should not lose sight of our own sense of identity. Celebrating different backgrounds enabling integration and diversity is key to values. Exclusion learn the lessons of exclusion from the past, e.g. poverty traps and child poverty. Meaning this [element] has a different meaning for different people depending on where they are coming from; the statement of wellbeing needs to speak to diverse groups and people in society and to have meaning for them as well. 24 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

30 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING Statement of wellbeing should reflect and speak to the freedom of people to achieve a life of value or that they believe has value regardless of their background and resources. Statement of wellbeing opportunities to achieve a quality of life that has meaning for people and communities Participation, Democracy and Good Governance National PPN Advisory Group good representation and report mechanism but no feedback to volunteers, they do not have an input. Community representatives on Advisory Group who put them forward, who do they represent and report to; groups with permanent seats on the Environmental Pillar how and why are groups picked? Environmental Pillar criteria for eligibility very restricted and needs to be broadened; too much influence in Department [of Rural and Community Development]. Volunteers put forward for PPN [positions] do not hear back why they are not successful, feedback needed. Lack of diversity on PPN exclusion of Travellers and minority groups in the community. There are excuses that they do not have an organised group but they should be on the secretariat. Flat structure represents majority but can exclude groups. Lack of linkage groups in certain areas are they working? Increased participation when asking people to contribute to public consultations, ask them to form a group and get involved so as to increase the number of groups on PPN. Lack of knowledge by local authorities on how the PPN works need to address this. Meeting times PPN should allow for evening meetings to facilitate volunteers. Awareness need to look at [holding] Open Forums in communities to create awareness. PPNs need more teeth need to get representatives onto other organisations such as ETB, RDTF and HSE 2 and not just county council. All the priorities documented by each group were sent forward to the Toolkit team for consideration in developing the national toolkit. In addition, participants could highlight issues other than those discussed in their own group by completing feedback sheets, which were also supplied to the toolkit working group. 2 ETB (Education and Training Board); RTDF (Regional Drug Task Force); HSE (Health Service Executive). 25 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

31 4. TOOLKIT FOR STATEMENT OF WELLBEING Thanking participants, Jason Kearney said the issues they had raised required a bit of homework from us [the department] and that more feedback might be needed from the PPN Advisory Group. Michael Ewing of the Environmental Pillar said they were trying to get more environmental groups to engage with PPNs. The discussion had been brilliant and he hoped that it might happen around the country, he said. 26 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

32 5. PRESENTATIONS 5. Presentations Afternoon session In the afternoon, four guest speakers addressed the conference. 5.1 John Lonergan: Why local communities must be active and inclusive John Lonergan, former prison governor and management consultant, started by saying how impressed he was by the concept of the PPN and the principles and philosophy behind them. John Lonergan Speaking about the importance of the community and voluntary sector, he repeated the words of the late Canon Hayes, founder of Muintir na Tíre, that community should be a social mix of equals, where everybody had a stake. The challenge facing PPNs was in trying to connect with people and get them involved. 27 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

33 5. PRESENTATIONS Despite exciting changes since his childhood in rural Tipperary in the 1950s, the celtic tiger, in many ways, had been the ruination of us because we had lost a lot of our values and equated everything with money. The concept of doing things because it was the right thing to do was being eradicated. A lot of the voluntary infrastructure was being lost. We had to roll that back now, he said. If we do not do that, things would not go on. He urged a succession strategy to keep turning over new people that would be involved in the community. If anything is going to pull [this] back, it is what you are about today, networking and pulling people together and being active in doing that,' he told participants. A sense of identity and belonging was important and rural Ireland was in trouble because of the loss of identity caused by the flight from the country, he continued. In hoping to change things, it was not possible to force people to change, it was necessary to reach out and connect with them. We had to nurture people and bring them inside, if there was to be a chance of reaching them. That welcome that you give people, that reaching out, is probably one of the most important things that you do, he told participants. With volunteering, the most important thing was giving young people confidence and you did that by giving them something to do that they were good at so that they would learn to become confident. Ninety per cent of what you are about is making people feel good about themselves, that they have something to contribute. People have to think that they are wanted, that they are needed. That is your job. Serving and encouraging other people is the greatest challenge today, he said. He advised people to give generously but to have no expectation of thanks. Great leadership, he said, was about facilitating other people. Making a difference was what service was all about. Have no expectation in the world but that you are doing good. You are making a difference to others; that is the satisfaction, he concluded. 28 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

34 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.2 Social Justice Ireland The journey to 2017 and beyond Sara Bourke and Dr Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland (SJI) made a two-part presentation looking back to how the PPNs had developed to date and thinking ahead to their future priorities and development. Sara Bourke first outlined the part played by Social Justice Ireland in driving the development of the PPNs. SJI was an independent think-tank with a deep belief that people should be involved in making the decisions that affected them. On the back of that, Seán Healy had been asked to chair the Taskforce on Citizen Engagement with Local Government. Since then, SJI had put a lot of resources into nurturing the project and would continue to do. Quoting the Minister for Finance s statement that involving citizens in public policy making led to better decisions, policies and services, she urged the Minister to give PPNs the resources they needed and deserved. The early stage of establishing PPNs had been really challenging and difficult. Very short time frames had been involved in which to make complex decisions. The 2015 Budget had provided the first real resources for PPNs, when 80,000 per PPN had been allocated and other resources made available. Structure, budgets and logistics had been the main issues in 2015 and From 2016 to 2017 a lot of hard work had been done in developing systems, getting on top of administrative work and bedding down the structures. It had been a windy, steep, difficult path, Sara Bourke said. SJI had been able to offer support around the country and help people to come together and support each other. Phone and support had proved very powerful. Things had now moved on, with improved involvement from the grassroots and the formation of linkage groups. PPNs were now making a real policy impact. The next stage was consolidation, she said. However, there was a huge workload for volunteers and resource workers, with the danger of burnout and stress. There was a need to create structures to alleviate burnout and people needed to take responsibility and step up to help, she went on. More resources were needed to allow outreach to vulnerable groups by freeing up time that is allocated to administration. She acknowledged that the DRCD was looking at this issue. 29 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

35 5. PRESENTATIONS Calling for national support and training, she said there were challenges relating to policy impact and poor skills within some local authorities and agencies about developing participation and consultation. However, she cited the positives, saying there were 31 active PPNs with strong capacity building and information sharing. PPNs were recognised in national policy as go to bodies and there was good support in the department. They were starting to develop partnerships with other agencies, such as the HSE and ETBs. PPNs are creative, innovative and diverse... expressing themselves, doing things in their own way, she said. They were not perfect but were at different stages of development. Looking ahead, she said more regional meetings were planned, in Carlow and Limerick in 2017 and Longford and Dublin in She told participants they should celebrate these achievements. She also congratulated Sligo PPN for organising the conference and expressed her pleasure at the vibe, the buzz, the positivity. Sara Bourke and Dr Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland Dr Seán Healy of Social Justice Ireland recalled how he had got a call from the minister in 2013 to chair a Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government. Since then, the PPNs had become a huge part of his life. The Working Group s report had contained the outline of what was to become the structure of PPNs and the pathway that had got us to here. 30 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

36 5. PRESENTATIONS He said the conference marked a good point in the development of PPNs when, looking into the deep future, they could say where are we going with this? Sharing some of his own ideas, he said there had been huge alienation of citizens across Europe and the world in recent years. Part of the whole PPN future was about counteracting that. In another way, PPNs were about putting in place an additional way for people to be heard, apart from elections. As a process, it was not in competition with the electoral system, which was valid and doing a good job, but was a support to it, Dr Healy added. There was a great amount of wisdom, knowledge and expertise in NGOs and civil society bodies and they brought this to decision making. Across huge parts of the world, governments involved NGOs in decision making because there was a recognition that you could not govern without the engagement of civil society. Dr Healy set out different stages in the trajectory of this engagement. Information sharing was a basic, one-way process with relatively low level of participation. Consultation was the second step, where local government asks civil society to share their expertise and ideas, which it gathers and may publish. Here the initiative rested with the local authority, not the NGOs. There was a need to move beyond this stage to where we had two-way dialogue. Dialogue ranged from a broad sharing of ideas, mutual interests and objectives to a collaborative dialogue where local authorities engaged with organisations on how a particular initiative could be delivered and collaborated with them on that. We needed to move to the fourth level, which was genuine partnership, the highest level of participation, Dr Healy said. At this stage, NGOs and government bodies actually worked together but each kept its independence. In this space the future lies if we are to maximise the capacity and the contribution that each of these partners can bring to the process. There is a lot of learning that we have to do on this, he said. We need to agree where we are, then agree on what place we are going to and then decide what is the way to get there. We need to genuinely engage on that vision and then we have to slog it out together, he continued. A process was needed to deliver this, one that could be renewed on an ongoing basis. He outlined four guiding principles for this process. The first was real participation; then, trust, not just between the PPN and the local authority but also within the PPN and on the 31 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

37 5. PRESENTATIONS government side as well. Accountability and transparency, without which things might be done behind closed doors, and independence, where the sectors kept their independence, were the other essential principles. Real partnership is the ultimate destination. It is not easy but it is a very powerful destination, he said. By harnessing energies in real partnership between the sectors, we would have a quantum leap in what could be delivered for people and for future generations. 5.3 Jamie Moore, Fingal PPN: Model of best practice What is the best model for a PPN? I do not think such a thing exists. Those were the opening words of Jamie Moore of Fingal PPN. He then turned a spotlight on some of the exciting things some PPNs were doing around the country, as examples of best practice and practical results. Participants should mimic and build on that, using the benefits of shared learning, he said. Longford PPN Disability and the need for joined-up thinking were identified as key issues by Longford PPN. In May 2017, they set up a Disability Network, which worked with the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), which at the time had no support worker in the Midlands. The PPN lobbied DFI with the result that the DFI now has a part-time support worker in the Midlands. Longford County Council then set up a working group on disability in which housing staff, the access officer and PPN representatives worked together to carry out disability audits. The PPN and DFI organised disability awareness training and training the trainer instruction for PPN representatives. One practical improvement on the ground was that car parking on paths during football matches, which had been obstructing people with disabilities, had been prevented by putting parking cones out during matches. Westmeath PPN Under a municipal district protocol agreed with Westmeath County Council, PPN members can identify issues in local areas and the PPN can submit proposals about it to the council, which considers the point and makes a draft response to the PPN. The PPN discusses the responses and then PPN, council officials and elected representatives consider the issue in committee. 32 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

38 5. PRESENTATIONS One outcome of this process was that the council planted a community orchard on a small site at the exit to a greenway. Another initiative resulted in the installation of traffic lights at a dangerous road. Kilkenny PPN Following the decision to review the Waterford county boundary with Kilkenny, the PPN, working with other local organisations, produced a main issues leaflet, which highlighted the implications of the proposals, and a submission template for the public consultation. This resulted in an empowered community making 2,800 submissions on the review. The outcome of the review process was a smaller boundary change. Jamie Moore Fingal PPN Longford PPN Fingal PPN Under a representatives protocol with Fingal County Council, the corporate services section gives PPN representatives information ahead of meetings in the same way as elected representatives. The PPN can request council officials to attend linkage group meetings and representatives are able to contact individual officials with queries. Whereas, before, agendas were not issued before linkage meetings, now the PPN can influence meetings by putting issues and motions on the agenda. These motions then return to the PPN for further discussions. PPN representatives are respected, empowered and supported in their role. 33 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

39 5. PRESENTATIONS South Dublin PPN In May 2016, a proposal that had been made by a community group for the development of an Ogham tree 3 trail was brought to the plenary meeting. The PPN secured agreement from the parks department and the LCDC, and the three looked for a suitable site. The Ogham tree trail was then included in a Part 8 public consultation for a proposed development. Since then, the PPN, the LCDC and the parks department have worked together at every stage in the development. The trail is due to be completed in December National PPN Workers Network Mr Moore went on to report that a National PPN Workers Network, with members from 31 PPNs, had been set up in 2016 and was meeting in the DRCD. The network shared practice, information and experience and was able to highlight issues and suggest solutions. National bodies such as The Wheel and the National Women s Council had attended the meetings to engage with PPNs at local level. In addition, two regional PPN networks, one consisting of four PPNs in Dublin and one of PPNs in the south-east, had been set up. There had been very good results from these networks, Mr Moore said. We are moving out of our comfort zones to a whole other world where the real magic happens. With the flat structure and non-directional approach, we may be on to something really special. The reason we had to step out of our comfort zones was that, in a 2016 OECD survey of citizen engagement in government policy and decision making, Ireland had come thirty-eighth out of 38 countries, he added. Moving forward, we needed to sustain and strengthen PPNs, provide additional administrative resources, raise the national profile of PPNs and increase capacity building. A central resource hub where PPNs could work with other agencies and a national co-ordinator for PPNs were also required. Whatever happens going forward, we have to make sure PPNs are involved at every step of the way, he concluded. 3 Ogham is a very early form of Irish writing. It was taught and memorised by linking each letter to the first letter of a native species of tree. 34 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

40 5. PRESENTATIONS 5.4 Open Forum Following the presentations, a panel comprising Sara Bourke, Dr Seán Healy, John Lonergan, Jason Kearney and Dorothy Clarke, deputy chief executive Sligo County Council, responded to questions. Discussion was facilitated by Niall Delaney, a presenter with Ocean FM radio station. This report, in summarising the forum discussions, deals first with points made about internal or PPN issues, then moves the focus outward to discussion on community-wide or national issues. Dorothy Clarke, Sligo County Council, said that information and presentations to the conference would be detailed in a conference report that would be circulated to participants and PPNs. In addition, all the feedback from the breakout discussions would be relayed directly to the team drawing up the toolkit for developing a statement of wellbeing. A number of participants thanked Social Justice Ireland for the great support and advice it had given PPNs, especially in the start-up phase. Panel at open forum discussion: (l-r) Dorothy Clarke, Sligo County Council, Jason Kearney, Department of Rural and Community Development, John Lonergan, Sara Burke and Dr Seán Healy, Social Justice Ireland Moving to specific concerns about the work and future development of the PPNs, participants queried the possibility of securing support for a national PPN secretariat and raised the need 35 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

41 5. PRESENTATIONS for a central resource that would bring together and make accessible models of good practice from which people could learn. Jason Kearney advised PPNs to raise this and other issues through the National PPN Advisory Group. Concern was raised by one delegate that future economic developments might change public policy resulting in the loss of funding for PPNs. Dr Seán Healy advised that the way to avert this would be for PPNs to have a strong voice that would press for PPNs to move ahead to greater partnership with government and would seek the funding and support that PPNs needed. Jason Kearney said that, while policy making was for government, there was recognition that PPNs were on the map to stay and the process now had a minister of state to raise it up the agenda. PPNs were urged by one participant to work harder to reflect the diversity and age range that existed in the community. Effort was needed also on social integration, to include people who were on the outside. PPNs needed also to consider how to encourage participation by disadvantaged people and communities. The PPN structure included groups that were already organised but people who did not have the capacity to organise could be marginalised. Unless PPNs helped those who faced barriers to organisation, they would exclude people, said another participant. Was it better for the PPN to work through linkage groups or at municipal/county level as there seemed to be overlap between both, a participant asked? Jason Kearney said linkage groups were meant to pull together on a county level all the stakeholders in a PPN on a particular topic. People should work through both bodies as the linkage groups were there to facilitate the county/municipal structures. The possibility of extending the PPNs to cover education bodies and the HSE, rather than focus solely on local authority activity, was raised. Bringing such bodies within the scope of the PPN would require them to consult with the local community when cutbacks to services or funding were being considered. Dr Seán Healy said some state structures were better organized for public consultation than others, for example, the regional drug taskforces. It was a question of whether the government decided it wanted to extend consultation and partnership to state structures such as education or the HSE. Prompted by a number of questions, much discussion centred on aspects of rural development and decline of rural communities. The lack of broadband with its potential for business and job creation and other infrastructure in rural areas was raised. One participant contrasted the emphasis on using volunteers and Tús/CE workers in rolling out PPN work programmes with the need to create well-paid, sustainable jobs in rural areas. Dr Seán Healy was critical of a lack of political commitment or a guiding vision for policy on rural Ireland. Resources were not being committed and rural Ireland was in danger of 36 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

42 5. PRESENTATIONS disintegrating with most people living in the greater Dublin region and the rest of the country a national park. He said there was no regional action plan for rural jobs and a failure to put in place the supports that people needed to create jobs. These points were reiterated by some other delegates. However, Mayor of Sligo Cllr Hubert Keaney defended the government record, saying Sligo town had the fastest broadband speed in the country. Neither broadband nor post offices would halt the decline of rural areas as they were symptoms rather than cause. He said the education system, whereby ninety per cent of children in rural Ireland go [away] to study at third level, was the reason for some of the decline. The question of affordable childcare was raised, with one delegate stating that, when local crèches closed down, rural schools had to be extended, resulting in a large school with few pupils and no other infrastructure in some villages. In response, Dr Healy said there was a huge shortage of affordable childcare in both urban and rural areas. Any employment policy would have to have a childcare policy or a large part of the workforce would be marginalised. On a broader canvas, the decline of community was discussed, with Niall Delaney asking how one could have a sense of belonging when there was no community to belong to. John Lonergan said the PPNs were the ideal forum to build a sense of belonging and identity. Strong PPNs could reach out and help communities that are struggling. Even one activity a week where people could have something to do would be a step forward. He said most communities were starved of resources but were well able to do the work themselves if they got the resources. Calling for greater efforts by Ireland to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, one participant said people with disabilities were in every area and town, and should be at all levels of government and the public service. Community was also being eroded by negative behaviour on social media, where people in leadership and communities were taken apart and had no means of responding, Cllr Hubert Keaney said. Responding to this point, John Lonergan expressed concern at the lack of empathy on social media and the need for balance, controls and oversight. People needed to be educated on its use and confronted when they go overboard. In the last five years he had seen more control and an attempt to pull things back, with more accountability for taking a person s good name. A final question asked the panel to name the greatest challenges facing PPNs in terms of state structures and also the greatest opportunities they needed to examine in more depth. Sara Bourke named social inclusion as the biggest task facing PPNs and one of their core tenets. Under the SICAP programme, PPNs and Partnerships had a specific remit to work together to help people living on the margins. They needed to build the capacity of people 37 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

43 5. PRESENTATIONS who did not have a group to represent them. PPNs needed a mechanism to go back to people in marginalised communities. Dr Seán Healy said the biggest challenge was to produce a vision for the wellbeing of future communities that would guide us. Where communities had a guiding vision, people would work and co-operate on where they were going. John Lonergan echoed the need for a long term vision and to reach and engage young people. All speakers agreed that the PPN structure offered a huge opportunity to mobilise people to move towards a future where everybody had dignity and what they needed in order to live meaningful lives. 5.5 Concluding remarks Closing the conference, Dorothy Clarke, deputy chief executive of Sligo County Council, thanked all the speakers and everyone who had taken time to take part. She also thanked people who were not here, notably staff of the DRCD. Sligo County Council had had reasonable expectations of attendance due to the valuable content of the conference but was overwhelmed by the response and the numbers of people who had come and made it such a special occasion, she said. The reason Sligo had initiated the conference was because Sligo had been awarded the title of European Volunteering Capital 2017, following on London, Lisbon and Barcelona. They had asked Sligo PPN to help Sligo celebrate that honour and the PPN had come up with the concept of a conference. It is a testament to the relevance that the whole country gives to volunteering, she said. She noted the reference by Minister of State Seán Kyne, TD, to looking at the future and to Jason Kearney s statement about the department s sense of the importance of the process. So, there is a future, she said. She referred also to the work of Michael Ewing and Seán Healy and the other founding fathers, who had travelled the length of the country to develop the PPN process. We would not be here today without their work and we owe a great deal to them. She reiterated some key points made by speakers, saying: I know that we are going to go out from here to reach those people that are marginalised, to help and support them. We have 38 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

44 5. PRESENTATIONS come a long way. Models of best practice have shown what has been achieved in a very small time. There were huge challenges going forward but we had just started and there was a long way to go, she said. We all had different ideas and certain knowledge of what we wanted our PPN to achieve. We would be going back to people in our community and we needed a mechanism to go back to people who were marginalised. It is a huge opportunity and we have to grab it, she went on. We can do it and we can make our mark and make a success of this. The Sligo PPN hoped that other counties would now take on the mantle and hold the next PPN conference. Away from daily work pressures the conference allowed people to share ideas and discuss wider issues. (Below) one of the many information stands 39 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

45 6. OUTCOMES AND CONCLUSIONS 6. Outcomes and conclusions 6.1 Outcomes The PPN conference was organised to provide a forum where all PPN stakeholders could come together to create networks, develop relations, explore issues of common concern and learn from the diverse and creative solutions that individual PPNs had initiated. The conference, in bringing people away from the pressures of daily work, provided a space where thinking on key concepts could take place, where clarifications could be sought, where progress towards fulfilling the role and function set nationally could be assessed and where a realistic sense of satisfaction could be taken from what had been achieved in a short number of years. The high attendance from PPNs and policymakers, and the passion and commitment they brought to the conference, resulted in much dialogue. Good ideas were highlighted. Immediate concerns and priorities for future development were identified. Strengths within the PPN networks of diversity, inclusion, flat structure, flexibility in modes of operation were recognised. Participants had the opportunity to think more deeply on the pivotal concept of community wellbeing and how it might be nurtured through practical actions. The challenges and stress points the PPN structures experience also could be aired a heavy workload on resource workers and volunteers; confusion, at times, on role, function and how to engage with municipal and county structures; the need to provide support and build capacity of volunteers; the need to support and train local authorities in adjusting to modes of consultation and collaboration; the risk of excluding marginalised and minority groups without a special effort to reach out and draw them in. Breakout discussions on the elements of wellbeing, and the fact that all the concerns and priorities aired were relayed back to the team devising a toolkit for a statement of wellbeing, meant that PPNs around the country are included in the national planning for this core function. Participants who would normally be focused on the hard work of their own PPN had a chance to feel part of a burgeoning national project, whose statistics reflected the great strides made in a short time: - PPNs established in all local authority areas; - some 11,000 organisations registered with the PPNs; 40 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

46 6. OUTCOMES AND CONCLUSIONS - all PPNs with a resource worker; - a database established for each PPN s registered local community organisations; - ongoing training and capacity building. Inspirational speakers laid out a vision of how PPNs might both nurture their local communities and potentially put the relationship between the State and the engaged citizen on an equal, collaborative footing. Further, they stressed that this potential was achievable, if PPNs, policymakers and stakeholders at all levels had the will to seize the opportunity presented by the PPNs. There was an opportunity to be briefed on the department s priorities and point of view. Participants heard directly from the Minister of State at the DRCD that he had a specific responsibility for developing PPNs and that he personally was convinced that PPNs had directly enhanced citizen participation in local government. They were informed by the principal officer at the DRCD that funding for PPNs was ring-fenced both nationally and at local authority level and that their unique structure and operating principles were recognised and valued within the department. Through its speaker the DRCD told participants of its immediate priorities in the next stage of development. These will include the publication of data derived from 2016 annual reports, building an evidence base for assessing the effectiveness of PPNs, ongoing improvement of the PPN User Guide, continued training and capacity building and consideration of support for PPN administrative workers. Such positive assurances could only reinforce participants confidence that the PPNs in which they invested so much voluntary time and commitment had a long-term future and a valued, integral role in guiding their communities. Added to this was the positivity delegates gave to and took from the conference in relating the work they had done and taking inspiration from the actions of colleagues in other PPNs. 6.2 Conclusions The National PPN Advisory Group is a resource through which PPNs can work to raise issues of resources, capacity and policy. At local authority and PPN levels there is still some confusion around their role and function, which needs to be addressed. The struggle to achieve clarity on this matter needs to be recognised. PPNs are diverse and develop individual styles, priorities and solutions. There is no one blueprint for best practice. However, there is potential for PPNs to identify what is working well within a particular network and replicate it in others. PPNs need to represent all the diverse social groups, backgrounds and age ranges that are found in the community. Because of the current profile of volunteers, they may lean towards a particular age range or social group. 41 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

47 6. OUTCOMES AND CONCLUSIONS PPNs need to make special efforts to reach and include marginalised or minority groups and certain age groups. The fact that PPN participation is open only to registered groups presents the risk that they could exclude people and communities that do not have the capacity to organise themselves in this way. Resource workers and community volunteers are being pulled away from important community development work by the increasing pressure of administrative tasks and governance responsibilities. A way or structure needs to be found to avoid burnout of volunteers and resource workers. The Statement of Wellbeing has to have meaning for different types of communities and people from different backgrounds. As it is a new concept, many do not fully understand it and therefore find it challenging to engage on the issue of wellbeing. PPNs have to be relevant to ordinary people, who need to understand what they do Regional PPN networks have produced good results where they operate well and these structures should be replicated in other areas. More environmental groups need to become involved in PPNs. There is potential to bring other state agencies such as the HSE and education bodies within the scope of PPNs. A central PPN hub and a national PPN co-ordinator could support PPNs in co-operating with other agencies and NGOs. Regional support meetings for PPNs could be considered. Communications between PPNs and the National PPN Advisory Group need to work both ways, up and down. Recognition is needed that PPN groups are at different levels of development nationally and need to be supported. It is recognised that PPNs are a part of something bigger; in this regard language and direction are important. 6.3 Recommendations The following issues are identified in moving forward particularly for the attention of the department and policy makers: A national review of PPN structures, performances and experiences to date is needed. PPN objectives need to be reviewed and aligned with the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). The National PPN Advisory Group needs to increase feedback to PPNs if it is to exist as an effective interface between PPNs and government. Additional funding for administrative support is needed to enable PPN resource workers to focus more on community development activities and initiatives. 42 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

48 6. OUTCOMES AND CONCLUSIONS Government support for developing and implementing Statements of Wellbeing needs to be emphasised both in policy and funding terms, to facilitate development and guide implementation. Examples of PPN best practice need to be identified and promoted. The PPN flat structure concept needs to be evaluated for effectiveness. More training and support are required where local authorities are having difficulty adjusting to a model of participation and consultation. A central repository and learning networks for PPNs should be established where groups can access information and be informed by examples of good practice and experience. PPNs should be given guidance in engaging with marginalised communities and others who encounter barriers to engaging with and participating in PPN structures and activities. There is a need for a branding and publicity campaign to raise local awareness of the existence of PPNs, their purpose, and their role. Awareness and understanding of the role and purpose of PPNs need to be promoted within local authorities as well. It is everyone s business. Public awareness of the PPNs and their role both in local communities and nationally should be fostered. Regional PPN networks should be replicated in all areas. We should look forward with vision; look back to learn only. The PPN conference organising team with (centre) the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Kyne, TD. 43 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

49 APPENDIX 1. LIST OF ATTENDEES Appendix 1 List of attendees at Conference Name John McManus Maria Flanagan Patricia Keating Pat Boyle Seamus McCormack Aine McElhinney Niamh Morgan Grainne O Neill Bridie McLean Dympna Loughlin Patrick Benson Marianne McDermott Brian O Reilly Tracey Hannon Damon Matthew Wise Âû Dónal Traynor Peigín Doyle Dan Boyle David O Brien Martha Halbert Niall Healy Claire O Rourke Pat Dooley Liam McCarthy Brenda O Callaghan Noreen Clancy Devona Finnegan Marisa Moran Sue Mahon Susan Dunbar Seán Kyne TD Bairbre Nic Aonghusa Catherine Conroy Deirdre Kearney Deirdre Maloney Ellie Corcoran Jason Kearney Leon Fox Organisation Ageless Mobility and Strength An Cosán Virtual Community College An Cosán Virtual Community College Balla Tidy Towns Ballintogher Tidy Towns BHP Insurances BHP Insurances Carlow PPN Carraroe & District Regeneration Association (CADRA) Carraroe & District Regeneration Association (CADRA) Carraroe & District Regeneration Association (CADRA) Cavan County Council Citizen Clann Credo Clare PPN Community Finance (Ireland) Conference Reporter Cork City Council Cork City Council Cork City PPN Cork County Council Cork County PPN Cork County PPN Cork County PPN / JPC Cos Cos Festival Cos Cos Festival Cranmore Regeneration Cranmore Regeneration Cranmore Regeneration Darkness into Light Sligo Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development 44 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

50 APPENDIX 1. LIST OF ATTENDEES Neal Sullivan Smyth Niall Hayden Sinead Quinn Brenda Harvey Mary Clyde Paul Kernan Martin Hoey Conor McQuillan Helen Griffin Niamh Duffy Diarmuid McAree Goff Lalor Kay Gleeson Laura Howe Sharon Perry Mary Tuffy Caitriona Rogerson Michael Ewing Catherine O Toole Justin Byrne Niall Delaney Anneke Vrieling Angela O Flynn Bury Charles Sargent Jamie Moore Jeff Murphy Lorcan Blake Máire O Brien Maria Tormey Peadar O Kelly Tony Brennan Anne Marie Regan Jamie Gorman Marian Nolan Niall O Brolcháin Tommy Flaherty Vincent Lyons Rita Cunnane Kathleen Henry Kathleen Henry Joe Saunders Bernard Higgins Dermot O Donnell Sheila Hunt Canice Sheeran Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Department of Rural and Community Development Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) Donegal PPN Donegal PPN Dublin City PPN Dublin City PPN / Exchange Dublin Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN Dun Laoghaire Rathdown PPN Enniscrone Community Council Environmental Pillar Environmental Pillar Environmental Pillar Environmental Pillar Facilitator, Ocean FM Feale Biodiversity Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Fingal PPN Foróige Galway City Community Network Galway City Community Network Galway City Community Network Galway City Community Network Galway County PPN Galway PPN Irish Farmers Association Irish Farmers Association Irish Local Development Network Kildare PPN Kildare PPN Kilmovee Community Centre Laois PPN 45 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

51 APPENDIX 1. LIST OF ATTENDEES Marian Condren Aedin McLoughlin Francie Gilmartin Tracy Ferguson Cllr Jerome Scanlan Brian Thompson James O Donoghue Patrick Cummins Vicky Ward Jimmy McVeigh Pozy Green Seamus Orr Siobhan Cronogue Ciaran Reid Kevin Moran Mary Capplis Mary Costello Brendan Sammon Caroline Goucher Catherina O Rourke Karen Mahon Gerard Burns Leona Keenan Mary Marron Siobhan McKenna Tom Freeman Lorna Curry Maev Gallagher Bridie Costello Hynes Conor McCullagh Heather Taylor Ann Kavanagh James Connolly Alan McMenamin Pat Murtagh Breda McNicholas Michael Kelly Ann Gallagher Lawren McManus Cllr Hubert Keaney Cllr Dara Mulvey Cllr Margaret Gormley Cllr Marie Casserly Cllr Sinead Maguire Dorothy Clarke Margaret McConnell Laois PPN Leitrim PPN Leitrim PPN Leitrim PPN Limerick LCDC Limerick PPN Limerick PPN Limerick PPN Limerick PPN Local Authority Waters and Communities Office Longford PPN Longford PPN Longford PPN Louth LEADER Partnership Louth PPN Louth PPN Mayo PPN Mayo PPN Mayo PPN Meath PPN Meath PPN Monaghan PPN Monaghan PPN Monaghan PPN Monaghan PPN Monaghan PPN North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Taskforce North West Regional Drug & Alcohol Taskforce Offaly PPN Order of Malta Sligo Unit Parents and Guardians Cregg Services PAUL Partnership Photographer RESPOND! Roscommon County Council Roscommon PPN Roscommon PPN Save the Forgotten and Rural Ireland Save the Forgotten and Rural Ireland Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council 46 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

52 APPENDIX 1. LIST OF ATTENDEES Fiona Gilligan Ann Johnston Geraldine Timlin Jimmy O Brien Karen Gallagher Kirsty Cawley Maria Collery Michael Carty Kieran O Dwyer Chris Gonley Tom McGettrick Sean MacNiallais Martina McGarrell Ann Donegan Raymond Carty Albert Higgins David Tuffy Dr Jennifer Van Aswegen Elizabeth King Gerry O Connor Michael Bell Michael Kirby Vanessa Clarke Maeve Whittington Ciara Herity Larry Mullin Olivia Byrne Paula Naughton Riona Rochford Sinead Doherty Sara Bourke Seán Healy Sam Dunne Samiya Mooge Una Ruddock Aine Carr John Lonergan Mary Ann McBrien Myra Merrick Denise Rushe Maureen Browne Colman O Callaghan Caroline Wilson Johnny Sheehan Cllr Eddie Moran Cllr Imelda Goldsboro Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo County Council Sligo LCDC Sligo LEADER Partnership Sligo LEADER Partnership Sligo Lend a Hand Sligo Northside Community Partnership Limited Sligo Northside Community Partnership Limited Sligo Orpheus Choir Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo PPN Secretariat Sligo Social Services Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre Sligo Volunteer Centre Social Justice Ireland Social Justice Ireland South Dublin PPN South Dublin PPN South Dublin PPN South West Mayo Development Company Speaker Special Olympics Special Olympics Starling & Co Step Forward Disability Group SVP The Wheel The Wheel Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council 47 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

53 APPENDIX 1. LIST OF ATTENDEES Cllr John Fahey Cllr Michael Anglim Cllr Michael Murphy Cllr Michael Smith Cllr Siobhán Ambrose Marie Murphy Avril Wilson Mary Kilroy Colin Gillen Colette O Brien Heather Kiely John Hawkes David Tuomey Anne Drury Annette Barr Jordan Bridget Geoghegan Dave Raftis Hugh Farrell Margaret Kiernan Maureen McCormack Rose Wright Annette Dupuy Patricia Reilly Grainne Quinn Helen Howes Sharon Eastwood Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council Tipperary County Council Tipperary PPN Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre Videographer Waterford City and County Council Waterford PPN Waterford PPN Western Care Association Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Westmeath PPN Wexford PPN Wicklow County Council Wicklow PPN Wicklow PPN Woodrow Sustainable Solutions Ltd E & OE 48 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

54 APPENDIX 2. ORGANISATIONS DISPLAYING BANNERS Appendix 2 List of organisations displaying banners and stands Public Participation Networks from all over the country displayed banners that expressed in a wide variety of words and imagery the role played by PPNs in their communities and the active participation of citizens in this work. They included PPNs from: Carlow Cork City Cork County Dun Laoghaire Fingal County Dublin Galway City Limerick Longford Louth Mayo Meath Monaghan Offaly South County Dublin Tipperary Waterford Wexford Wicklow Other organisations, local and national, added their voices through their banners and information stands. They were: Abbott - Supporting Sligo EVC Order of Malta Sligo Community Finance Ireland Sligo Community Mediation Service Cos Cos Sean Nós Sligo Sligo European Volunteering Capital 2017 An Cosán Sligo Family Resource Centre Domestic Violence Advocacy Service Sligo Intercultural Forum Environmental Pillar Sligo LEADER Partnership Foróige Sligo Lend a Hand Invisibletraffick.org Sligo Local Enterprise Office LCDC Westmeath County Council Waters and Communities Muintir na Tire Community Alert Western Development Commission The Wheel 49 First National Public Participation Network Conference 2017

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