In the years leading up to 2023, Dublin City PPN managed community input through “linkage groups” tied to each SPC. However, those linkage groups did not function effectively—members found them unhelpful for both representatives and wider member groups. To address this, Dublin City PPN introduced more flexible, pillar-based working groups (Community & Voluntary, Social Inclusion, and Environmental Pillars). These groups allow people to raise issues, concerns, and motions in support of their representatives before matters go to the SPCs
At the May 2025 Plenary, in the Mansion House, the participants were divided up into their Pillar Working Groups and asked to discuss questions. Below is some summarised feedback from the 3 parts of the Community and Voluntary Working Groups.
Group Composition
Our pillar working group is the biggest here this evening. We have had to divide into three smaller groups to make the session productive.
How We Got Involved with the PPN
Participation spans from a few months to eight years. We joined to: build closer ties to local decision-making via Strategic Policy Committees; connect and learn from other community groups; join forces on advocacy; keep informed through the weekly PPN Bulletin; and create positive change for people with disabilities and marginalised groups in Dublin.
Relevant Strategic Policy Committees
Five members are best aligned with the Housing & Social Inclusion SPC, while the other two focus on Urban Planning & Climate SPC matters. We have people from the LCDC and the Secretariat in our group.
Feedback for Tonight’s Session
We’d welcome clearer explanations of PPN functions and terminology.
We’re interested in seeing genuine influence—beyond token presence—on policy development.
Suggestions for raising PPN’s media profile would be appreciated.
Regular updates from PPN representatives on committee work would keep us informed.
Finally, sincere thanks to our representatives for their ongoing dedication to SPCs and the Local Community Development Committee.
Accessing & Sharing the PPN Bulletin
Many members regularly receive and read the Bulletin. Some did not, as they’re not on the list or informed by their organisations.
We all agree: it contains vital updates on funding, events, and training and should be shared more widely within groups.
Summer School Attendance
Some members will attend next week’s Summer School, but the others are not participating. Mainly because they were unaware of it due to not receiving the Bulletin or notifications from their organisations.
Looking Ahead to the November 2025 Plenary
By November, we’d like to see wider sharing of the PPN Bulletin by member groups and real-world examples of PPN influence at both local and national levels.
Increased public awareness of the PPN’s role in participatory democracy is essential.
We also hope to witness tangible progress on housing and homelessness—specifically more social and cost‑rental housing and improved services—as well as enhanced public realm conditions in Dublin, such as cleaner streets and reduced litter improving public health and visual appeal.
We would like to prepare more for the next Plenary and plan our motions in advance.
We would like to meet in person and online (as a working group) before the next meeting, so that we can ask the Reps from this pillar, what they have been doing and if they need any help with anything.
Related Networks
Community and Voluntary Pillar Working Group Pillar Working Groups