What is Public Participation Network (PPN)

Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) is the main link through which organisations in Laois can interact with Laois County Council and participate in policy-making structures and committees of Council. The network addresses three broad themes also known as Electoral Colleges and theses are;

1) Community & Voluntary Organisations

2) Social Inclusion Organisations

3) Environmental Organisations

What is the role of the PPN?

1. To contribute to a vision for the well-being of this and future generations.
2. To facilitate opportunities for networking, communication and the sharing of information between environmental, community and voluntary groups, and between these groups and the local authority.
3. To identify issues of collective concern and work to influence policies locally in relation to these concerns.
4. To encourage and enable public participation in local decision making and planning of services.
5. To facilitate the selection of participants from the environmental, social inclusion and voluntary sectors onto decision making body.
6. To work to develop the Environmental, Social Inclusion, Community and Voluntary sectors so that the work of these sectors are clearly recognised and acknowledged, and that the sectors have a strong collective voice within the County.
7. To support the individual members of the Public Participation Network so that:
   1. They can develop their capacity and work more effectively.
   2. They can participate effectively in the Public Participation Network activities.
   3. They are included and their voices and concerns are heard.

To facilitate and enable the public and organisations to express a diverse range of views and interests within the local government system.

To facilitate the local authority in making better and more timely decisions through a structure that ensures public participation and representation on decision-making committees and bodies within local government.