All roads led to Leinster House on the 18th of September where Public Participation Networks (PPNs) from all parts of the country got an opportunity to meet with Deputies and Senators regarding the Budget for 2025.
Kilkenny PPN is one of 31 PPNs that have been established in all local authority areas in the State as part of the local Government Reform in 2014. PPNs facilitate input by the public into local government through a structure that ensures public participation and representation on decision-making committees and bodies within local government.
Bortha Woudsma, coordinator of Kilkenny PPN, said:
“After 10 years in operation it is fantastic to get the opportunity to present the work of PPNs in Leinster House and to highlight the societal and economic contributions community & voluntary, environmental and social inclusion groups make to community life in Ireland and to advocate for enhanced financial support to allow us to expand our vital work”.
She also commented:
“Thanks to all cross party and Independent Deputies and Senators who attended, all giving their full support for PPN funding. A special thanks to Senator Micheál Carrigy from County Longford for the opportunity and invitation and to his administrator Michelle Gettings who coordinated the meeting for all ”
Senator Carrigy said:
“It was an honour to host the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) at Leinster House last week. This meeting was an important step in ensuring that PPNs have a strong and recognised voice in our national conversation. I fully support their call for increased funding in Budget 2025, which will enable them to continue their work in advocating for and representing communities across Ireland. It’s crucial that we continue to strengthen their role in shaping policy and decision-making at the highest levels”
This pre-budget meeting was on behalf of all PPN Secretariats, and the full PPN membership of 22,000 community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups around the country.
