Galway City Community Network - Public Patricipation Network
About this good practice
As part of the Reform of Local Government Act 2014, local authorities were required to establish Public Participation Networks in each local authority area.
Each PPN is the main conduit between local authorities and community groups. It allows communities within each LA to participate in policy making and decision-making.
PPN’s are designed to identify and respond to the needs and priorities of their communities. Galway City Community Network (GCCN) is a network of committed workers, volunteers, and activists who share a set core of values, including equality, diversity, and sustainability. Together we work to ensure that the voice of the community is heard in policy and decision-making.
GCCN’s role is to
• Act as a platform for the groups/organisations engaged in the community, voluntary and environmental sectors in Galway City.
• Develop policy and positions on issues of common concern to the sectors and to communities and to advocate for these policies and positions to be implemented.
• Facilitate the representation of the community, voluntary and environmental sectors on the Local Community Development Committee, the Strategic Policy Committees, the Joint Policing Committee, other local government and local development bodies and any local, regional, national or international body deemed appropriate by GCCN.
• Contribute to the development and achievement of a vision for the well-being of this and future generations.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
PPNs have been funded jointly by the Department of Rural & Community Development and local authorities. This annual funding is specifically allocated to meet the cost of employing a Resource Worker and Support Worker along with their ongoing operational costs such as office accommodation & training.
Evidence of success
GCCN representatives are elected to various local bodies like the City Council Strategic Policy Committee, the Local Community Development Committee and others; to promote the policies, positions and values of GCCN, including by seeking the inclusion of items on the agenda and proposing motions at the meetings
By the end of 2023, almost 40 submissions were made on behalf of its members to various public consultations (policy documents, active travel, etc).
Potential for learning or transfer
Volunteers are the backbone of our communities. Volunteer-led groups & organisations make a huge contribution to society, the economy & the environment. These groups range in size & interest – from large sports groups to residents’ associations; some have a national reach & a network of local branches, while others are mainly concerned with their own community & stay local.
International institutions such as the EU & OECD have highlighted that the participation of citizens in public life, & their right to influence the decisions that affect them, & their communities are at the centre of democracy.
Open & inclusive policymaking increases public participation, improves transparency & accountability, builds community capacity & leads to increased buy-in & better decision making.
A National Advisory Group provides a monitoring & evaluation function to ensure that the work is carried out in line with best practice. This group meets at least once per quarter.