What is the Secretariat?

The Secretariat/committee is the administrative body of the PPN and is elected by the members of the PPN. The Secretariat also oversee the day-to-day operation of the PPN and implement the PPN workplan. Secretariat members are elected by the Plenary (collection of all groups registered with Mayo PPN).

The Secretariat is at county level and is broad and representative of the different geographical areas and the three electoral colleges [Environment, Social Inclusion and Voluntary] within County Mayo and reflective of the diversity of the membership and shall:

Be made up of 14 members, 2 from each of the 3 electoral college and two from each of the 4 municipal district and be elected by the County Plenary
Facilitate the implementation of decisions made by the Plenary
Act as the coordinating body of the PPN and facilitate the PPN’s day to day business
Facilitate and monitor effective communication between member groups and PPN representatives to ensure quality input into decision-making structures
Ensure procedures for elections are adhered to
Act as a support to representatives
Develop and oversee an annual work-plan for the PPN in agreement with Mayo County Council and carry out reviews as appropriate
The Secretariat shall hold a minimum of 4 meetings per year and will appoint a Convener and deputy.

Meet the Secretariat

The Secretariat Committee is elected by the Plenary to oversee the day-to-day operation of the Public Participation Network and implement the PPN workplan. It is made of 14 members, 2 from each of the 3 Pillars and two from each of the 4 Municipal Districts.

Kathy Rowland

Community and Voluntary Rep

12 years working in Community & Voluntary sector.

Master’s Degree in Sustainable Rural Development.

Previous experience in administration & Governance.

Experience in executive positions on committees: Macra, Killavel Development Group, Eskeragh Old Schoolhouse group.

Maureen Timlin

Community and Voluntary Rep

Involved with local community groups & organisations for over 20 years.

Currently on the Crossmolina Community Council.

Member of Crossmolina Pantomine Troupe.

Previously a member of; Crossmolina Festival, Crossmolina National School Parents Assoc, The Venet Girl Guides.

Bernie Finan

Ballina MD Rep

He has previously held this role in the community

He has experience on many organisations.

He can dedicate time to the role.

Margaret Kenny Upton

Ballina MD Rep

A member of Community groups in Bonniconlon and Ballina for 20 years.

Dedicated member of the ICA.

Educator for 35 years at second and third level.

Darragh Owens

Claremorris/Swinford MD Rep

Lives in Shrule, Recently was Convener for Mayo PPN, Assistant Group leader in Ballinrobe Scouts for the last 10 years, Involved with other community groups in Ballinrobe to help access funding opportunities to improve facilities, Daragh also serves on National PPN secretariat Network which is involved in areas to improve the PPN nationally.

Edith Geraghty

Castlebar MD Rep

Mayo Travellers Support Group is a partnership of Travellers and settled people which aims to work for the achievement of human and cultural rights for Travellers in Mayo, based on an acknowledgement of Travellers’ distinct ethnic identity. I seek to represent them in this important setting.

Kieran Joyce

Castlebar MD Rep

He has over 17 years experience working in Local Government sector and 2 years’ experience working in the Education sector. He is clear of the role that he will have to perform on the Secretariat and he is clear of the commitment that he must give to carry out the role. While working in the Local Government sector he has worked closely with many community groups and realise the importance of the PPN in shaping the futures of our communities.

Austin Francis O’Malley

Westport/Belmullet MD Rep

I have been a representative of the public on Mayo County Council for many years but retired five years ago.

I am passionate about community and especially social inclusion. I am the current chair of Louisburgh Area Mens Shed (LAMS).

Rosaleen Lally

Westport/Belmullet MD Rep

She has worked in the disability sector for 20 years and have a broad range of experience in advocating for people with disabilities and the elderly through my work in the Irish Wheelchair Association.

She a strong belief in community and working with interagency groups in Erris.

She has previously held a seat on the LCDC as a PPN Rep and gained valuable experience on the workings of the LCDC and the PPN.

Mary Duffy

Social Inclusion Rep

As I am a Youth Leader in Foróige for nearly 20 years. I have been on the Executive of Foróige on a National level (voluntary) and I deliver the leadership for Life to Young People on a county level and on a national level.

I have a passion of youth and leadership for youth and would like to advocate for youth and youth leaders on the PPN.

The Resource Worker

The PPN Resource Worker is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the PPN and for enabling the delivery of the aims and purpose of the PPN and in line with the agreed workplan. The Support Worker is the admin support to the Resource Worker..