What are Linkage Groups?
Linkage Groups are spaces where member groups of South Dublin County Public Participation Network (SDC PPN) can come together around shared interests, themes or issues.
They provide an opportunity for community groups to discuss local issues, share experience and explore topics in more depth. Through Linkage Groups, community perspectives can be shaped collectively and shared into local authority committees and decision-making spaces through elected PPN Representatives.
Linkage Groups are open, flexible and led by the interests of member groups. They are not formal decision-making bodies. Their role is to support discussion, shared learning and the development of informed community views.
Why Linkage Groups matter
Many local issues affect more than one group or community. Linkage Groups create a way for groups to work together rather than in isolation.
They support a two-way flow of information between member groups and local authority decision-making spaces. This helps community representatives to bring forward shared views and lived experience, and to report back on discussions, issues and outcomes.
Taking part in a Linkage Group can help groups to:
- Share local knowledge and lived experience
- Explore issues in more depth
- Identify shared concerns and priorities
- Contribute to informed and collective community input
- Support PPN Representatives with clear, grounded perspectives
- Connect and network with other groups working on similar issues
By bringing together a range of views, Linkage Groups help ensure that community input into local authority decision-making is informed, coordinated and reflective of wider community experience.
Linkage Groups and decision-making
Linkage Groups do not make decisions on behalf of the PPN or its members. Decisions are made by the relevant local authority committees and decision-making bodies.
The role of Linkage Groups is to support discussion, develop shared understanding and help shape community perspectives that can inform those decisions through PPN Representatives.
Who can take part in a Linkage Group
All members of South Dublin County Public Participation Network are welcome to take part in any Linkage Group, regardless of which pillar they belong to.
Members who wish to take part are asked to register in advance so that information, updates and meeting details can be shared effectively. Groups are free to engage at a level that suits their interests and capacity.
