What is the PPN?
South Dublin County Public Participation Network (SDC PPN) is an independent, community-led network that supports community participation in local decision-making. It operates with a flat structure, where decision-making rests with member groups rather than with a hierarchy.
Public Participation Networks were established nationally to give community groups a stronger and more coordinated voice in local decision-making. They create a structured way for community, voluntary, social inclusion and environmental groups to engage with public bodies on issues that affect their communities.
South Dublin County PPN brings together community groups and not-for-profit organisations from across the county and creates opportunities for those groups to have their voices heard on local and national issues.
The work of the PPN is guided by a Secretariat made up of representatives from member groups and supported by a small staff team. The network exists to make participation more accessible, inclusive and meaningful, particularly for groups that may not otherwise have the time, resources or access to engage with public decision-making.
What we do
The South Dublin County Public Participation Network supports community participation in practical and meaningful ways.
We:
- Support community voices to be heard in decision-making through consultations, shared feedback and representation
- Work with local authorities, public bodies and partner organisations to support inclusive community engagement
- Provide space for community groups to come together, exchange views and develop collective perspectives on local issues
- Support the growth and development of community groups through information, guidance and training
- Act as an information hub, sharing updates on local issues, funding opportunities, events, training and available supports
- Connect community groups with each other to encourage collaboration and stronger collective engagement
Through the network, community groups can engage with decision-making in a supported and coordinated way, rather than having to navigate complex systems on their own.
How the PPN is structured
South Dublin County PPN is made up of member groups from across the county and is designed to support participation in a clear and accessible way. South Dublin County PPN operates as a flat, community-led network, where decision-making rests with its member groups rather than with a hierarchy. Key decisions are made collectively through the Plenar.
The main parts of the PPN are:
- Member Groups: Community groups and not-for-profit organisations form the foundation of the PPN. These groups choose how and when they engage, based on their interests and capacity.
- The Plenary: The Plenary is the gathering of all member groups. It provides a space for information-sharing, discussion and collective decision-making, including electing representatives and agreeing key policies.
- The Secretariat: The Secretariat is a group of representatives elected from the membership to support the coordination and governance of the PPN. It helps guide the work of the network between Plenary meetings.
- Representatives: Representatives are member group nominees who sit on local decision-making structures and bring community perspectives into those spaces, while staying connected to the wider membership.
- Linkage Groups: Linkage Groups bring together member groups with a shared interest in a particular theme or issue. They provide space to discuss topics in more detail, develop shared views and support informed engagement.
- Staff Support: A small staff team supports the day-to-day coordination of the PPN, including communications, administration and support for members and representatives.
More detailed information on governance and decision-making is available in the How We Are Governed & Accountable section.
Who the PPN is for
South Dublin County PPN is open to community groups and not-for-profit organisations that are active in South Dublin County and work for the benefit of their community.
Being part of the network allows groups to:
- Stay informed about local issues and opportunities
- Connect with other community groups across the county
- Share their experience and perspectives
- Have a collective voice on issues that matter in their area
Member groups reflect a wide range of interests, objectives and causes, including community development, residents’ groups, social inclusion and equality, and environmental and climate action. Groups of all sizes and at all stages of development are welcome.
Our approach
The work of South Dublin County PPN is guided by a commitment to inclusion, equality, openness and transparency, and respect for lived experience.
The network supports accessible and meaningful participation by working collaboratively with local partners, while remaining independent and community led. Our role is to support and enable participation, not to speak on behalf of communities without their involvement.