PPN Representation

Members of Mayo PPN can elect other members to act as representatives of the PPN on different local government committees.

The role of these representatives is to represent the issues of PPN members on a particular Board or Committee and to bring forward these issues to the committee for their consideration. PPN representatives can also put items on the agenda of the committee.

PPN representatives are not at committee meetings just to represent their own group or agenda. They must represent the varied views of those PPN members who have an interest in the areas covered by the committee.

PPN Representatives are informed of the views of PPN member organisations through Linkage Groups.

The PPN does this by:

  1. Electing community, environment and social inclusion representatives to local authority committees and other policy making boards and agencies.
  2. Building strategic and collaborative relationships with decision makers.
  3. Enabling and encouraging members to engage in public consultations
  4. Creating and working towards a vision for the well-being of this and future generations.
  5. Identifying issues of collective concern and work to influence policy locally in relation to these issues.
  6. Acting as an information hub.

Committees in Mayo with PPN Representatives

  • Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)
  • Mayo County Council Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs):
    1. Housing
    2. Climate Change and Environment
    3. Economic and Enterprise Development
    4. Roads and Sustainable Travel
    5. Community, Integration, and Recreation
    6. Planning and Corporate Development
  • Mayo Sports Partnership
  • Mayo Community Futures
  • Mayo Biodiversity Working Group
  • Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) Independent Evaluation Committee
  • Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP)
  • Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force
  • North West Fisheries Local Action Group
  • Sláintecare

Mayo County Council Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)

The Mayo Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) was established in 2014 for the purposes of developing, coordinating and implementing a coherent and integrated approach to local and community development. The committee is made up of representatives from the Local Government and Local Development sectors, public bodies and representatives of social, economic, environmental and community interests. The LCDC is a sub-committee of the local authority but is independent in the discharge of its functions under the Local Government Act 2014.

In 2016 the Mayo LCDC launched its six- year local community plan LCEP which includes measures to tackle poverty and disadvantage, support enterprise, employment and training, develop community infrastructure and promote economic development.

The LCDC is also responsible for the strategic coordination, governance, planning and oversight of Local Development expenditure by Local Authorities on behalf of the state or by other Local Development agencies and structures for example the LEADER Programme and SICAP Programmes.

The PPN has 5 seats on the LCDC: 2 Social Inclusion reps, 2 Community & Voluntary reps, 1 Environmental rep

What is the role of your PPN representative?

  1. To represent the experience of the community, social inclusion and/or environmental issues in the county.
  2. To identify issues of collective concern to the sectors your rep represents.
  3. Ensure the wider PPN community are aware of policy or programmes at LCDC level that may impact on sectors.
  4. To provide feedback from meetings.

Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) – PPN Representatives

Ian Canavan

Environment Pillar

Expertise in the conservation and management of flora and fauna at local and national level.  Completion of courses in deer management and welfare.  Management of mountain bog and heather for the benefit of grouse and curlews.  Predator control of invasive species like mink for the protection of ground nesting birds. Expertise in the hatching and release of wild game.  That our association has clubs and members in every parish within county mayo willing and able to help.

Avril Greham

Social Inclusion Pillar

My name is Avril Greham, and I am a disabled activist representing Mayo DPO. I have dedicated my career to advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and equal rights. As a public speaker and DEI facilitator, I have worked closely with communities, and organizations to create meaningful change.

As a disabled person, I understand firsthand how local policies impact daily life. Decisions made at the community level can either remove barriers or reinforce them. I want to ensure that disabled people are actively considered in all aspects of community development, not just as an afterthought.

As a member of the LCDC, I will bring a strong, informed perspective to the table, ensuring that inclusion is not just a goal but a standard. My experience, advocacy skills, and commitment to equality will help shape policies that truly represent and benefit all members of our community.

Rosaleen Lally

Social Inclusion Pillar

I have over 25 years experience working in a professional capacity with the Irish Wheelchair Association at a local and national level. I am also the current chair of the Erris Family & Community Support Centre Board of Directors and have worked for 6 years on this project which has recently been included in the FRC programme. I am passionate about advocating for the rights and needs of marginalised groups and people with disabilities in Mayo. Having lived and worked in this community, I have seen first-hand the barriers that many face in accessing services. opportunities, and representation. My commitment to inclusion is rooted in both personal experience and professional engagement with diverse groups, ensuring that I understand the unique challenges and strengths within the community. As a potential member of the LCDC, I bring empathy, determination, and a collaborative spirit. 

Annette Maughan

Community & Voluntary Pillar

Annette Maughan is highly experienced in the community and voluntary sector and has been actively involved in community development at both a local and county level for many years, both in her work and in a voluntary capacity. From Tidy Towns to Town Centre First and from sports to the environment, Annette will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and motivation to the role of LCDC member should she be successfully elected. Her professional roles in the community sector over the past 15 years provide her with additional insight and understanding of the needs, challenges and opportunities within the sector. Annette is grateful to be able to continue to work hard to deliver for communities around Mayo and to give voice to the community and voluntary sector on the Mayo LCDC.

Billy Freeley

Community & Voluntary Pillar

Community Involvement – for over 40 years – involved in community development, community housing, community council, Foróige, sporting groups, etc.  Experience on this group from the last term, availability for meeting morning, afternoon, and evening.  To assist other community groups with my experiences of being involved.  

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs)

SPCs advise and assist the Council in its work. While it is the task of each SPC to assist the Council in the formulation and development of policy, the final policy decisions will rest ultimately with the full Council.

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) are local authority committees in City and County Councils whose membership includes elected Councillors, representatives of business, commercial, development, construction, community & voluntary, farming interests, environmental/conservation groups, trade unions, education & arts.

There are 6 SPCs in Mayo County Council. The PPN have representatives on five of the SPCs. Representing the following PPN Pillars

  • Community and Voluntary
  • Environment
  • Social Inclusion

What are Strategic Policy committees?

Strategic Policy Committees were introduced as part of an ongoing process of local government reform and in keeping with the policy of broadening involvement in the local government through participation by community and sectoral interests.

The role of the SPCs is:

  • To formulate policy proposals, evaluate and report on policy implementation for consideration.
  • Provide policy centred committees which can harness the experience of external bodies in the formulation of policy.

The Committees are not designed to deal with routine operational matters in relation to the delivery of services. These are dealt with thorough the Area Committees.

How are they structured?

The SPCs which consists of elected members of Mayo County Council and others who are nominated by/or representative of the sectors relevant to the work of the SPC.

The Chairperson of each Committee is appointed from the full Council, from amongst the Councillor appointees to the SPCS. i.e. the Cathaoirleach is a member of the Council.

SPC membership for Councillors will be for the lifetime of the Council. A member ceasing to be a Councillor will cease to be a member of the SPC. Councillors may not be nominated to represent sectoral interests.

Sectors Represented on the SPC’s include the National Pillars representing Agricultural/Farming; Business/Employers and Trade Unions with representatives from Environment, Social Inclusion and Community/Voluntary being nominated through the Public Participation Network (PPN).

Mayo County Council have 6 Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs)

Housing SPC 2 PPN Representatives
Climate Change & Environment SPC 1 PPN Representative
Economic & Enterprise Development SPC 1 Environment Representative
Planning & Corporate Development SPC 3 PPN Representatives
Community, Integration & Recreation SPC 3 PPN Representatives
Roads & Sustainable Travel SPC 1 PPN Representatives

PPN & SPC Representatives

PPN Representatives perform an important function on behalf of PPNs. They are elected by Member Groups to get involved in, and contribute   to, Local Authority Boards/Committees and non-LA Boards/Committees on behalf of the PPN. In doing this, they are bringing the voice of the community to the decision-making committees in Mayo Co Council to represent the PPN as a whole.

Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs) – PPN Representatives

SPC 1 – Housing SPC

Niall Dunne

Community & Voluntary Rep

As Manager of Mayo MHA, with extensive experience in housing and service delivery, Niall’s background in overseeing housing operations and working with service users aligns closely with the SPC’s mission to formulate, develop, and review housing policies. His role has involved tackling issues such as housing supply, acquiring accommodation and managing vacant homes. His experience with Mayo MHA has developed his skills in addressing complex housing needs and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Niall is committed to leveraging this expertise to assist Mayo Co. Council in shaping impactful housing policies and addressing issues such as defective concrete blocks and anti-social behaviour.

SPC 2 – Climate Change and Environment

Graham Cawdell

Environment Rep

Graham is a retired hospital consultant who has had a lifelong interest in wildlife. He has been a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for over 60 years and is also a member of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and BirdWatch Ireland (BWI).  He was appointed as assistant secretary for BWI Mayo Branch in December 2021.

As a clinician Graham led gynaecological cancer and the colposcopy services for St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals. He also performed a major role in postgraduate education within Mersey Deanery after being appointed as its first training programme director and later to the chair of the specialist training committee for obstetrics and gynaecology.

As a branch secretary for BWI he is responsible for its social media and administration.

SPC 4 – Roads and Sustainable Travel

Sarah Togher

Environment Rep

MSc Business | Fellow Chartered Institute of Transport and Highways (FCIHT)

With over three decades of experience in the community development sector, Sarah brings a dedicated and proven track record in rural transport, community engagement, programme management, governance and charity law. Currently, Sarah leads a small team, overseeing 160 weekly rural transport services, collaborating with the National Transport Authority (NTA) Connecting Ireland on rural mobility plans spearheading reviews to improve transport links for diverse populations throughout county Mayo. The role demands adept financial and project management, stakeholder engagement and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. Sarah is motivated to effect positive change in the county and is committed to consistently offering strategic insights and expertise to further enhance the transportation sector in line with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

SPC 5 – Community, Integration and Recreation

John Gallagher

Community & Voluntary Rep

John Gallagher has been an active member of the Erris community for over 30 years. He has been Chairperson of Comharchumann Forbartha lonad Deirbhile since 2005 and a board member prior to this. John was chairperson of CLG Beal an Mhuirthead when the new development at Tallaght took place and is still an active member of CLG Beal an Mhuirthead currently filling the role as Oifigeach Gaeilge. John has been involved with Came Golf Links for over 8 years and is currently treasurer of Erris Tourism. He is also Chairperson of lorras Domhnann. A retired teacher since 2013, John also been a publican for over 40 years.

Bernadette Frain

Social Inclusion Rep

Bernadette Frain has worked in social care for numerous years across the following areas, early childhood, school age, adult services. She currently manages a service for young autistic adults. This has given her experience, insight, knowledge and expertise across people’s lifespan. She has gained key skills in active listening, advocacy, person centred planning and lived experience.

Bernadette recognises the value of networking and has made many connections with community groups, organisations & sport clubs. She was instrumental in setting up Castlebar Autism Friendly Town and holds the position of committee secretary. She has participated in strategic planning both for her own organisation and outside.

Bernadette lives in a rural community which has given her insight into the benefits and challenge’s rural communities experience.

SPC 6 – Planning and Corporate Development

Austin Francis O’Malley

Social Inclusion Rep

Chairperson Louisburgh Mens Shed,
Chairperson of Lousiburgh/Kileen I.FA
Chairperson of Development Company
Kileen Group Water Scheme
Former chair of Mayo County Council
Former chair of LTACC
Former chair of Louisburgh Community Futures
Former chair of water monitoring of County Mayo

Joan Jennings

Environment Rep

Joan Jennings is retired and involved in a number of voluntary organisations. She has a business degree and is a Chartered Director. She has been a committee member/Treasurer for Westport Social Services for a number of years. Joan is a Director of Westport Credit Union having served as Chairperson & Secretary. She has represented credit unions at a regional level. In 2023, she was elected onto the national board of the Irish League of Credit Union, where they are implementing an Environmental, Social and Governance policy both at local and national level.

With her qualifications and experience at committee level, Joan believes she brings skills and knowledge that will be valuable to the SPC. Also what she has learnt in developing the ESG policy will be beneficial to the committee.
Joan likes to meet new people, accept challenges, and learn new things.

Mayo Sports Partnership

Hosted by Mayo County Council, the Mayo Sports Partnership was established in November 2004 and is core funded by Sport Ireland. MSP’s aim is to increase participation in all sports and to ensure local resources and facilities are used to the best effect. They promote recreational sport to all members of society and are also involved in facilitating & co-ordinating several projects and programmes across County Mayo aimed at getting people active. They have three main functions to achieve our aims; To Inform, To Educate and To Implement

Mayo Sports Partnership PPN Representative

Lorraine Munnelly

Killala Community Council (New Start) CLG

I’m involved in voluntary organisations within my community. Director and currently Company Secretary for Killala Community Council. We are actively involved promoting sports and recreation, catering for all ages in the community- squash, GAA, badminton, aerobics, yoga etc. Current projects include recently established walking group, seeking funding for basketball court in the centre and reestablishing handball alley in the town.

I’m committee member Killala AFC and was member of Ballycastle Cycling club, I’ve been involved in running and promoting events with both clubs. I’ve an interest in watersports and sailed for some years, there has been an impressive increase in watersport activities in Mayo which I believe could be developed further Member of Mayo Motorsport Club -Director/PRO for five years.  I understand that motorsport doesn’t come under Mayo Sports Partnership however I have gained a lot of good experience in the support and promotion of younger people in sport.

Mayo Community Futures

Mayo Community Futures is a programme which assists communities to prepare and co-ordinate their own 5-year Action Plan.  South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) is the host organisation for the Mayo Community futures team on behalf of Mayo County Council.

Mayo Community Futures is a bottom up, community led process which gives all members of the community the opportunity to feed into the development of a Community Action Plan for their area.  Community Futures aims to:

  • Assist communities prepare Community Action Plans
  • Encourage people to become active in their communities
  • Strengthen and develop local community organisations
  • Enable communities to identify and progress priority projects and actions
  • Enable communities to effectively represent their interests at local, County and National level

The Community Action Plan strengthens a community’s ability to represent themselves and serves as a useful guide to public agencies to feed into funding applications and strategic planning in the County.

The programme is managed by a partnership of community-based organisations and agencies who are all committed to supporting communities in having a say in their own future.

To date, 30 communities in the County have taken part in the programme.

Mayo Community Futures PPN Representatives

Vincent McHale

Ballina MD

I have been involved in my own local community in a number of roles over the last 30 years – Soccer Coach, Local Enhancement Group, Editor Parish Magazine, Member of local Drama Group. My professional background is in Adult & Community Education with over 20 years’ experience in the field. Over the last 4 years I have been working with Mayo Volunteer Centre as a Development Officer promoting the value of volunteering around the County and working with clubs/ groups/ community organisations & charities to help them attract, engage, and retain volunteers. I also work with local groups around Garda Vetting and all it entails. I look forward to putting my personal and professional knowledge and skills to good use as a representative on Mayo Community Futures.

Megan Durkin

Claremorris/Swinford MD

As a representative on the Mayo Community Futures, skills I feel you need would be excellent organisation and communication skills. You would need to have a strong passion for working with communities to encourage growth and progress; experience with marketing, finance and social media would be a great advantage. All of the skills I have listed are strengths I have acquired from my sixteen years of self-employment and my passion for community growth. I am chairwoman of the St. Patricks Day parade. We have improved and grown the parade substantially over the last few years. I am involved with both the LGFA and the GAA, I sit on the GAA executive as joint PRO and social and cultural officer, both of these roles are areas I flourish in as I have a great knowledge of social media and marketing, along with a keen interest in community fundraising and events.

Mary Blowick

Castlebar MD

I worked in the Community section of Mayo County Council for 5 years and I am currently a member of the Belcarra Community Council. From working in both places I am familiar with the challenges and workload required by both the Local Authority and Community Group in building a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community. My skill set includes good communication skills, problem solving, managing budgets, and project planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Brendan Sammon

Westport/Belmullet MD

  • I was privileged to be chair of the Futures management team in the past and as a consequence I became extremely familiar with the process and how important it is for communities to have their own bottom up Community Action Plan.
  • I am a strong advocate of Futures and its capacity to reach out to entire communities and let the people have their say in the development of their Action Plans.
  • As chairperson of the County Community Forum, I oversaw the evaluation of the process in 2012/2013 with Sean O’Riordán and Associates.
  • I was involved in the pilot programme of introducing Futures in the community of Islandeady. I am very familiar with the process and I believe every community should have their own bottom up 5 year action plans.
  • I also believe communities should be incentivised to take on the Futures Programme. Now more than ever with new people in our communities, it is essential for Action Plans to be wholly inclusive.

Mayo Biodiversity Working Group

The Mayo Biodiversity Working Group is a non-statutory advisory group established by Mayo County Council to provide observations on the preparation, implementation and evaluation of the Mayo County Council Biodiversity Action Plan. The Mayo Biodiversity Working Group will sit under the established Mayo Heritage Forum.

The role of the Biodiversity Working Group is to collaborate with the Biodiversity Officer on the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, assist in delivery of the objectives and actions of the Plan, to monitor progress and to evaluate impacts of the Plan.

Mayo Biodiversity Working Group PPN Representative

Seán Carolan

Old Irish Goat Society/Mulranny Community Futures

Seán Carolan is a dedicated advocate for nature in Mayo, leading restoration efforts such as the Rosmurrevagh Dune Project in Mulranny. He revitalized Mulranny’s Victorian trails into the 6km Loop Walk (2010), boosting walking tourism revenue. He spearheaded the recognition of the Old Irish Goat as a Native Breed at Risk (2022) and established the Old Irish Goat Centre. Seán hosted four National Irish Rare Breeds Conferences (2017–2023) and developed conservation grazing initiatives for Mayo, Fingal, Dun Laoighire Rathdown, county councils. He advanced the Mulranny Stone Wall Festival (2015–2025) and is an advocate for a Mayo UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. He serves on the Fáilte Ireland Clew Bay Tourism Steering Committee and is a member of the Climate Justice Universities Union.

Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) Independent Evaluation Committee

Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) are responsible for the implementation of the LEADER Programme in County Mayo. The LEADER programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched in 2021, which aims to deliver a wide range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy.  LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027.  Mayo LAG have established an Independent Evaluation Committee (IEC) for the purposes of assessing and evaluating LEADER funding applications submitted by project promoters. The Evaluation Committee makes recommendations to the LAG as regards the suitability of projects for funding based on objective criteria. 

Mayo Local Action Group (LAG) Independent Evaluation Committee PPN Representatives

Brid McAuley

One Westport

I am a recently retired National School teacher – I taught for over 20 years in Newport NS where I founded and lead the first Autism Unit in West Mayo. I served twice on the Board of the school. I was a founding member and secretary of Westport Tidy Towns Committee. In 1986 my husband and myself started an organic vegetable business outside Westport – we retired from this last year. Along with other women we founded Westport Country Markets 38 years ago. I have only recently retired from this co-op. I was an active member of Westport Tourism for 10 years and I served as part time secretary of Westport Chamber of Commerce. Presently I am chairperson of Westport Eco Congregation – we strive to inform the community of Climate Change and ways to get involved in Climate Action. I am an active member of One Westport – in 2024 I secured funding to run a successful Circular Economy event. I believe my experience in social, educational, environmental and community activities will benefit LAG and by being a representative I believe I can support our rural community.

Brian Bakeberg

Erris Chamber of Commerce

I am honoured to be nominated as a PPN Representative to the Mayo Local Action Group’s Independent Evaluation Committee. As President of the Erris Chamber of Commerce, I bring strong business leadership and extensive community development experience, including international work in rural Mozambique. My background combines strategic management with practical involvement in supporting local enterprises and community initiatives. This experience has given me a clear understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural communities. I am committed to ensuring that LEADER funding is allocated fairly, transparently, and effectively to projects that deliver meaningful benefits. Passionate about rural development and community-led approaches, I will apply objective criteria diligently and work collaboratively to promote sustainable growth and vitality in our region. I look forward to contributing my skills and dedication to this important role.

Ludmila Burcovschi

Le Cairde Ballyhaunis

My name is Ludmila Burcovschi, and I am the Chairperson of Le Cairde Ballyhaunis, a community group I founded two years ago. The name “Le Cairde” means “With Friends,” and our mission is to foster inclusion, unity, and empowerment by bringing people together through shared hobbies and interests.

Today, our group includes over 100 members across five interest-based subgroups: Music, Art, Craft, Culinary, and Embroidery. We actively participate in a wide range of events such as charity concerts, Culture Nights, church Masses (including Midwest Radio broadcasts), art exhibitions, and collaborative projects with other local and regional groups. You’re welcome to explore our ongoing activities on the Le Cairde Ballyhaunis Facebook page.

Professionally, I am a piano tutor with over 30 years of experience teaching people of all ages and abilities. I hold a degree in Psychology from Moldova and have completed a Social Inclusion course at Maynooth University. My core values include respect for others, continuous self-development, and the sharing of knowledge and skills to uplift those around me.

I believe that my professional background, cultural initiatives, and dedication to social inclusion would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to the LAG group. I am committed to supporting diversity and fostering greater inclusion across County Mayo.

Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP)

Nomination process not yet underway

Western Region Drug & Alcohol Task Force

Nomination process not yet underway

North West Fisheries Local Action Group

Nomination process not yet underway

Sláintecare

Nomination process not yet underway

About Mayo PPN