New Public Participation Network set up in Kildare

The Kilcullen Text Alert Group has signed up to the Kildare Public Participation Network, a new volunteer-led organisation set up under the Local Government Act 2014, writes Brian Byrne.

The PPN will be a point of focus for volunteer groups of all kinds in dealings with Kildare County Council and is funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG) and the Local Authorities (LAs).

In particular, the PPN will provide information relevant to the environmental, social inclusion, community and voluntary sector and act as a hub around which information is distributed and received.

The PPN is independent from the Council and of any vested interests. The new Kildare PPN has one paid administrator, Bernard Higgins, who can be contacted at kildareppn@gmail.com.

While the PPN will be able to direct volunteer groups to the correct sources of information and also act as a conduit to Council for the concerns and issues of volunteer community groups, it will not replace the right and ability for any individual or group to make direct representations on any issues.

However, if a group is applying for grants, it must first be registered with the PPN.

Sabina Reddy, who attended a meeting last night of groups from all over the county in relation to the PPN said Kilcullen groups and organisations which are volunteer led should get involved.

"If we are not involved, we could miss out on vital information," she said.

The Diary will look at the concept in more detail in the coming weeks.