Putting People First – An Action Programme for Effective Local Government (October2) sets out a vision for Local Government in Ireland:
“Local government will be the main vehicle of governance and public service at local level –
leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value
services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably.”
Section 46 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 enables local authorities to take all appropriate steps to consult with and promote effective participation of local communities in local government. Citizens and communities will be encouraged and supported to participate in the decision-making processes of the local authority.
The new mechanism for public engagement and participation is called The Public Participation Network (PPN). Its primary objective is to enable the public to take an active formal role in the policy making and oversight activities of the Local Authority’s areas of responsibility.
The Mayo Public Participation Network facilitates 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.
All individuals may access local government through the existing arrangements in regard to their issues. For the purpose of this structured public participation within local government, individuals may join an existing group or organisation or they can establish an interest group or organisation and register it with the PPN.
The Network:
- Facilitates the participation and representation of communities in a fair, equitable and transparent manner through the environmental, social inclusion & voluntary sectors on decision making bodies
- Strengthens the capacity of communities and of the environmental, social inclusion, community & voluntary groups to contribute positively to the community in which they reside/participate
- Provides information relevant to the environmental, social inclusion & voluntary sector and acts as a hub around which information is distributed and received.